Clot retrieval system

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to systems for removing obstructions and other objects within a blood vessel or other interior lumen of an animal. The system may be deployed in the lumen from a catheter and includes a pull wire having a proximal end and a distal end, and a distal body having a proximal hub, a basket, and a distal hub. In some embodiments, the distal body includes a plurality of proximal strips that form a closeable claw that is used to capture the obstruction. In other embodiments, the basket includes an enlarged opening that allows the object to enter the basket. Optionally, the basket includes x-ray markers adjacent to the enlarged openings to allow the operator to locate the openings, as well as twisting strips that connect the basket to the proximal hub. The present invention also relates to methods of making and using such systems.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/158,137, filed May 18, 2016 and entitled “METHOD OF MANUFACURING ACATHETER-DELIVERED MEDICAL DEVICE FROM A TUBE”, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/794,783,filed Jul. 8, 2015 and entitled “CLOT RETRIEVAL SYSTEM”), which iscontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/558,712 (nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,155,552), filed Dec. 2, 2014 and entitled “CLOTRETRIEVAL SYSTEM, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/558,705 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,173,668), filed Dec. 2, 2014and entitled “CLOT RETRIEVAL SYSTEM”, which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/147,491 (now U.S. Pat. No.8,900,265), entitled “CLOT RETRIEVAL SYSTEM” and filed Jan. 3, 2014.U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/558,705 further claims priorityunder 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/994,934, filed May 18, 2014 and entitled “ARTICULATING CLOT RETRIEVALSYSTEM”. The entire contents of all of the above patent applications arehereby incorporated by reference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/794,783 is also acontinuation-in-part of International Patent Application No.PCT/US15/10178, entitled “CLOT RETRIEVAL SYSTEM” and filed Jan. 5, 2015,which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/558,712 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,155,552), filed Dec. 2, 2014 andentitled “CLOT RETRIEVAL SYSTEM”, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/558,705 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,173,668), filedDec. 2, 2014 and entitled “CLOT RETRIEVAL SYSTEM.” U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/558,705 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,173,668) is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/147,491 (nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,900,265), entitled “CLOT RETRIEVAL SYSTEM” and filedJan. 3, 2014, and further claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/994,934, filed May 18, 2014and entitled “ARTICULATING CLOT RETRIEVAL SYSTEM”. International PatentApplication No. PCT/US15/10178 further claims priority under 35 U.S.C.§119 to U.S. Patent Application No. 61/994,919, filed May 18, 2014 andentitled “CLOT RETRIEVAL SYSTEM.” The entire contents of all of theabove patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/794,783 is also acontinuation-in-part of International Patent Application No.PCT/US15/31447, entitled “CLOT RETRIEVAL SYSTEM” and filed May 18, 2015.The entire contents of all of the above patent applications are herebyincorporated by reference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/158,137 also is acontinuation-in-part of International Patent Application No.PCT/US15/39830, entitled “CLOT RETRIEVAL SYSTEM” and filed Jul. 9, 2015,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present invention relates to a deployable system for removing ablood clot or other object from a lumen of an animal as well as tomethods of manufacturing catheter-delivered medical devices from a tubeof a memory metal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Acute ischemic strokes develop when a blood clot (thrombus) blocks anartery supplying blood to the brain. Needless to say, when a blood clotcreates such a blockage, time in removing the clot is critical.

The removal of intracranial obstructions is limited by several factors,such as the distance of the intracranial obstruction from the femoralaccess site, the tortuosity (twists and turns in the artery as it entersthe base of the skull) of the cervical and proximal intracranialvasculature, the small size of the vessels and the extremely thin wallsof intracranial vessels, which lack a significant muscular layer. Theselimitations require a device to be small and flexible enough to navigatethrough tortuous vessels within a guide catheter and microcatheter,expand after delivery at the site of occlusion and be retrievable intothe microcatheter and yet be strong enough to dislodge strongly adherentthrombus from the vessel wall. In addition, the device should distallyentrap or encase the thrombus to prevent embolization to other vesselsand to completely remove the occlusion. The device should be retrievablewithout the need for proximal occlusion of the vessel, which carriesrisk of further ischemia and risk of vessel injury. The device should besimple to use and be capable of multi-use within the same patienttreatment. The device should not be abrasive and should not have sharpcorners exposed to the endothelial layer of the vessel wall.

Currently available intravascular thrombus and foreign body removaldevices lack several of these features. Currently available devicesinclude the MERCI™ RETRIEVER clot retriever device marketed byConcentric Medical, Inc. (Mountainview, Calif.), the PENUMBRA™ systemmarketed by Penumbra Inc. (Alameda, Calif.) to retrieve clots, and thenewer stent retrieval devices TREVO™ (Stryker, Kalamazoo, Mich.) andSOLITAIRE™ (eV3 Endovascular Inc., Plymouth, Mass., which is asubsidiary of Covidien). All the devices are ineffectual at removingorganized hard thrombus that embolize to the brain from the heart andfrom atherosclerotic proximal vessels. These “hard” thrombi constitutethe majority of strokes which are refractory to medical treatment andare therefore referred for removal by mechanical means through anendovascular approach. The MERCI retrieval system is comprised of coiledspring-like metal and associated suture material. The method of use isdeployment distal to the thrombus and by withdrawing the device throughthe thrombus, the thrombus becomes entangled in the coil and mesh andthen is retrieved. The MERCI system requires occlusion of the proximalvessel with a balloon catheter and simultaneous aspiration of bloodwhile the thrombus is being removed. Most of the time, the device failsto dislodge the thrombus from the wall of the vessel and often, evenwhen successfully dislodging the thrombus, the thrombus embolizes intoanother or the same vessel due to the open ended nature of the device.

The next attempt at a thrombus removal system was the PENUMBRA. ThePENUMBRA is a suction catheter with a separator that macerates thethrombus which is then removed by suction. The device is ineffective atremoving hard, organized thrombus which has embolized from the heart,cholesterol plaque from proximal feeding arteries and other foreignbodies.

The SOLITAIRE and TREVO systems are self-expanding non-detachablestents. The devices are delivered across the thrombus which is thensupposed to become entwined in the mesh of the stent and which is thenremoved in a manner similar to the MERCI system. Again, these devicesare ineffectual at treating hard thrombus. In fact, the thrombus isoften compressed against the vessel wall by the stent which temporarilyopens the vessel by outwardly pressing the clot against the vessel wall.Upon retrieval of the devices, the clot remains or is broken up intoseveral pieces which embolize to vessels further along the vessel.

Thus, there is a need for new, easy-to-use, easy-to-manufacture, safesurgical devices for removing obstructions, such as blood clots, frominternal lumens of humans and other animals in a timely manner.

In addition, it may be desirable to make memory-metal based mechanicalthrombectomy devices, also referred to in the art as stent retrievers,from a single tube of the memory-metal (e.g., nitinol), and in theprocess, laser cut and shape set the middle portion to form the captureportion (e.g., the basket) and leave the proximal and distal ends atleast partially intact. To provide design flexibility to the designer ofthe basket (so that he/she may include complicated structure in themiddle portion), it is desirable that the single tube have a relativelylarge diameter. However, it is also desirable to allow the devices tofit into a small catheter (called a microcatheter), which creates issuesif the proximal and distal ends remain on the device. Thus, there is aneed for processes of making devices that have the advantages of beingcut from a larger diameter tube but are also able to fit inside a smallcatheter.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides several systems for removingobstructions and other objects within a blood vessel or other lumen ofan animal. The system may be deployed in the lumen from a distal end ofa catheter and, in some embodiments, includes a pull wire having aproximal end and a distal end; a distal body attached to the pull wire,the distal body comprising an interior, an exterior, a proximal end, adistal end, a plurality of proximal memory metal strips located at theproximal end, a proximal hub/junction located in the distal bodyinterior, and a distal hub/junction located distal relative to theproximal hub/junction. The distal body has a relaxed state wherein thedistal body has a first height and width and a collapsed state whereinthe distal body has a second height and width, the second height lessthan said first height, the second width less than the first width. Thesystem further includes a catheter having an interior, a proximal endleading to the interior and a distal end leading to the interior, thecatheter comprised of a biocompatible material and configured toenvelope the distal body when the distal body is in the collapsed state.Each of the proximal memory metal strips has a proximal end and a distalend and preferably, in the relaxed state, each of the proximal ends ofthe proximal memory metal strips is located proximal relative to theproximal hub/junction. Preferably, in the relaxed state, the proximalends of the proximal memory metal strips are configured to move towardseach other and towards the pull wire when an operator moves the proximalhub/junction distally and closer to the stationary distal hub/junction(i.e., when the operator decreases the distance between thehubs/junctions). Preferably, in the relaxed state, the proximal ends ofthe proximal memory metal strips are configured to move away from eachother and away from the pull wire by moving the proximal hub/junctionproximally away from the stationary distal hub/junction (i.e., when theoperator increases the distance between the hubs/junctions).

Optionally, the system further includes a plurality of memory metalconnector strips, the plurality of memory metal connector strips eachhaving a proximal end attached to a proximal memory metal strip and adistal end attached to the proximal hub/junction. Optionally, theconnector strips are integral with the proximal hub/junction (i.e.,optionally, the connector strips and the proximal hub/junction areformed from the same piece of memory metal). Optionally, the proximalhub/junction is a tube having an aperture and the pull wire passesthrough the aperture. Optionally, in the relaxed state, the proximalhub/junction is slideable along the pull wire (i.e., at least a segmentof the pull wire). Optionally, in the relaxed state, the proximal memorymetal strips are distributed substantially evenly about a perimeter ofthe distal body. Optionally, the distal hub/junction is a tube having anaperture. Optionally, the distal hub/junction is attached to the pullwire such that the distal hub/junction is not slideable along the pullwire. Optionally, the distal body further comprises a lead wireextending distally from the distal hub/junction. Optionally, the distalbody comprises a basket comprised of a plurality of memory metal stripsdistal relative to the proximal memory metal strips. Optionally, thedistal hub/junction, the proximal hub/junction, and the distal basketare comprised of a nitinol having the same material composition.Optionally, the distal body further comprises an x-ray marker.Optionally, the proximal memory metal strips form a claw, the clawhaving a closeable proximal end formed by the proximal ends of theproximal memory metal strips. Optionally, between 2 and 4 proximalmemory metal strips form the claw. Optionally, the distal body, in therelaxed state, has a tapered shape in which the distal body height andwidth decrease from the proximal end to the distal end. Optionally, thedistal body, in the relaxed state, has a bullet shape. Optionally, theproximal hub/junction and the distal hub/junction are generallycylindrical in shape and each has an outer diameter and an innerdiameter that forms the apertures of the proximal and distalhub/junctions, the outer diameters of the proximal and distalhub/junctions are substantially the same size, and the inner diametersof the proximal and distal hubs/junctions are substantially the samesize. Optionally, the outer diameters of the proximal and distalhubs/junctions are from about 0.011 inches to about 0.054 inches, andthe inner diameters of the proximal and distal hubs are from about 0.008inches to about 0.051 inches. Optionally, the pull wire is generallycylindrical and the diameter of the pull wire is between about 0.008inches and about 0.051 inches. Optionally, the proximal memory metalstrips have a length of between about 10 and about 60 millimeters.Optionally, the first height and first width of the distal body arebetween about 2 millimeters (mm) and about 6 millimeters. Optionally,the proximal memory metal strips are configured to a separate a clotfrom a blood vessel wall.

The present invention also provides a method of removing an object froman interior lumen of an animal, the lumen having an interior wallforming the lumen. In some embodiments, the method includes:

a) providing a system comprising: i) a pull wire having a proximal endand a distal end; ii) a distal body attached to the pull wire, thedistal body comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a claw, theclaw comprised of a plurality of memory metal strips, the distal bodyhaving a relaxed state wherein the distal body has a first height andwidth and a collapsed state wherein the distal body has a second heightand width, the second height less than said first height, the secondwidth less than said first width; and iii) a catheter having aninterior, a proximal end leading to the interior and a distal endleading to the interior, the catheter comprised of a biocompatiblematerial and configured to envelope the distal body when said distalbody is in said collapsed state;

b) positioning the system in the lumen;

c) deploying the distal body from the distal end of the catheter;

d) allowing the height and width of said distal body to increase; and

e) moving the memory metal strips towards each other and the pull wireso as to capture the obstruction. Optionally, the claw and the memorymetal strips are located at the proximal end of said distal body and thedistal body is deployed distal to said object. Optionally, the proximalmemory metal strips have a proximal end forming the proximal end of theclaw and a distal end, and the method includes moving the proximal endsof the memory metal strips towards each other and the pull wire so as tocapture the obstruction. Optionally, the distal body further comprises aproximal hub/junction located in the distal body interior, and a distalhub/junction located distal relative to the proximal hub/junction, eachof the memory metal strips has a proximal end and a distal end, each ofthe proximal ends of the memory metal strips is located proximalrelative to the proximal hub/junction, and the proximal ends of thememory metal strips are configured to move towards each other andtowards the pull wire by moving the proximal hub/junction distally andcloser to the distal hub/junction, and the proximal ends of the memorymetal strips are configured to move away from each other and away fromthe pull wire by moving the proximal hub/junction proximally and awayfrom the distal hub/junction, and the method further comprises movingthe proximal hub/junction distally and closer to the distal hub/junctionso as to capture the obstruction in the claw. Optionally, the interiorlumen is an intracranial artery and the obstruction is a blood clot.Optionally, the method further comprises using the clot to move theproximal hub/junction toward the distal hub/junction and exert tensionon the proximal memory metal strips. Optionally, the method furthercomprises using a tube to move the proximal hub/junction toward thedistal hub/junction and exert tension on the proximal memory metalstrips.

The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing a systemfor removing objects within an interior lumen of an animal. In someembodiments, the method includes:

a) providing a single tube comprised of a memory metal, the single tubehaving an exterior, a hollow interior, a wall separating the exteriorfrom the hollow interior, a proximal portion comprising an apertureleading to the hollow interior, a distal portion comprising an apertureleading to the hollow interior, and a middle portion between theproximal portion and the distal portion;

b) cutting the wall of the middle portion with a laser;

c) removing the pieces of the middle portion cut by the laser to form aproximal tube, a middle portion comprising a plurality of memory metalstrips attached to the proximal tube and a distal tube;

d) altering the shape of the middle portion;

e) allowing the middle portion to expand relative to the distal tube andthe proximal tube;

f) cutting the memory metal strips to form a first segment comprisingthe proximal tube and a proximal segment of the memory metal strips, anda second segment comprising the distal tube and a distal segment of thememory metal strips; and

g) joining the proximal segments to the distal segments such that thedistal segments form the proximal end of a distal body, such that theproximal tube is located inside an interior of said distal body, andsuch that the proximal tube is located distal relative to the proximalend.

Optionally, the method further includes placing a pull wire through theproximal tube such that the proximal tube is slideable along at least asegment of the pull wire. Optionally, the method further includesattaching the pull wire to the distal tube. Optionally, the step ofjoining the proximal segments to the distal segments comprises weldingor soldering the proximal segments to the distal segments. Optionally,after the step of joining the proximal segments to the distal segments,the proximal end forms a claw comprised of between 2 and 4 memory metalstrips, the claw memory metal strips configured to move towards each bymoving said proximal tube distally and closer to the distal tube, andthe claw memory metal strips configured to move away from each other bymoving the proximal tube proximally and away from said distal tube.Optionally, the method further includes not altering the shape of theproximal and distal portions while altering the shape of the middleportion. Optionally, the method further includes cooling the proximalportion, the middle portion, and the distal portion after step D) and,after cooling, the proximal and distal portions have substantially thesame size as the proximal and distal portions had prior to step A).Optionally, the method of allowing said middle portion to expandcomprises heating the middle portion. Optionally, the method of alteringthe shape of the middle portion comprises using a mandrel. Optionally,the mandrel is tapered. Optionally, the proximal portion and the distalportion are not cut by the laser. Optionally, prior to cutting thememory metal tube, the memory metal tube has an outer diameter that isfrom about 0.011 inches to about 0.054 inches and an inner diameter thatis from about 0.008 inches to about 0.051 inches.

In an alternate embodiment, the present disclosure provides a system forremoving objects from an interior lumen of an animal that includes:

-   a pull wire having a proximal end and a distal end;-   a distal body attached to the pull wire, the distal body comprising    an interior, a proximal end, a distal end, a distal body length    extending from the proximal end to the distal end, a proximal    hub/junction (preferably in the form of a tube) forming the proximal    end of the distal body, a basket comprised of a plurality of cells    formed by a plurality of basket strips, a plurality of proximal    strips, and, optionally a distal hub/junction (preferably in the    form of a tube) forming a distal end of the basket, the basket    comprising a basket interior, each proximal strip having a proximal    end attached to the proximal hub/junction, and a distal end attached    to a cell, the distal body having a relaxed state wherein the distal    body has a first height and a first width, and a collapsed state    wherein the distal body has a second height and a second width, the    second height less than the first height, the second width less than    the first width; and-   a catheter having an interior, a proximal end leading to the    interior and a distal end leading to the interior, the catheter    comprised of a biocompatible material and configured to envelope the    distal body when the distal body is in the collapsed state,    wherein, in the relaxed state, the basket comprises a first pair of    distal crowns not attached to another cell of the basket and    pointing generally in the distal direction, the first pair of distal    crowns located approximately the same distance from the proximal    hub/junction and approximately 180 degrees relative to each other    (e.g., between about 150 degrees and about 180 degrees relative to    each other), and further wherein the basket further comprises a    second pair of distal crowns not attached to another cell of the    basket and pointing generally in the distal direction, the second    pair of distal crowns located distally relative to, and    approximately 90 degrees relative to, the first pair of distal    crowns (e.g., each distal crown of the second pair of distal crowns    is located approximately 60 degrees to 90 degrees relative to a    distal crown of the first pair of distal crowns), the distal crowns    in the second pair of distal crowns located approximately the same    distance from the proximal hub/junction and further wherein each of    the distal crowns in the first and second pair of distal crowns    comprises an x-ray marker, the x-ray maker more visible under x-ray    as compared to the basket strips when the distal body is located in    a cranial blood vessel inside the body of a human and the x-ray is    taken from outside the human's body. When it is said that the first    pair of distal crowns are located approximately the same distance    from the proximal hub/junction, it will be understood that if one of    the first pair of distal crowns is located X distance from the    proximal hub/junction, the other of the first pair of distal crowns    is located X distance plus or minus (+/−) 3 mm from the proximal    hub/junction, more preferably X distance plus or minus (+/−) 0.5 mm    from the proximal hub/junction. Similarly, when it is said that the    second pair of distal crowns are located approximately the same    distance from the proximal hub/junction, it will be understood that    if one of the second pair of distal crowns is located Y distance    from the proximal hub/junction, the other of the first pair of    distal crowns is located Y distance plus or minus (+/−) 3 mm from    the proximal hub/junction, more preferably Y distance plus or minus    (+/−) 0.5 mm from the proximal hub/junction. Optionally, instead of    a distal hub/junction, the basket includes an open distal end.

Optionally, the x-ray markers are comprised of a material different thanthe material forming the basket strips. Optionally, in the relaxedstate, the basket interior is substantially hollow. Optionally, in therelaxed state, the distal body does not have another x-ray marker thatis located approximately the same distance from the proximalhub/junction as the first pair of x-ray markers and the distal body doesnot have another x-ray marker that is located approximately the samedistance from the proximal hub/junction as the second pair of x-raymarkers. In other words, the first and second pair of x-ray markers arethe only markers their respective distances from the proximalhub/junction. Optionally, each distal crown in the first and second pairof distal crowns forms part of an enlarged cell and further wherein thesurface area of each enlarged cell in the relaxed state is greater thanthe surface area of each of the other individual cells of the basket andfurther wherein the enlarged cells are configured to allow a thrombus topass therethrough and into the basket interior. Optionally, in therelaxed state, the distal body does not have another freedistal-pointing crown that is located approximately the same distancefrom the proximal hub/junction as the first pair of distal crowns andthe distal body does not have another free distal-pointing crown that islocated approximately the same distance from the proximal hub/junctionas the second pair of distal crowns. Optionally, the basket strips arecomprised of a memory metal. Optionally, each of the distal crowns inthe first pair and second pair of distal crowns curve radially inwardtoward the basket interior in the relaxed state, wherein the distalcrowns of the first pair of distal crowns are configured to contact eachother when an exterior, external compressive force (such as a thrombus)is exerted on a distal crown of the first pair of distal crowns when thedistal body is in the relaxed state, and further wherein the distalcrowns of the second pair of distal crowns are configured to contacteach other when an exterior, external compressive force (such as athrombus) is exerted on a distal crown of the second pair of distalcrowns when the distal body is in the relaxed state. Optionally, theproximal hub/junction is located approximately in the center of thefirst height and first width in the relaxed state. For example,preferably the proximal hub/junction is located within 0.5 mm of thecenter of first width and the first height. Optionally, the catheter iscomprised of a polymeric material (i.e., one or more polymeric materialssuch as silicone, PVC, latex rubber or braided nylon). Optionally, thepull wire is comprised of a biocompatible metallic material (e.g., abiocompatible metal or a biocompatible metal alloy). Optionally, theproximal end of a first proximal strip is located at least about 65degrees (e.g., between about 65 and about 180 degrees) relative to thedistal end of the first proximal strip, wherein the proximal end of asecond proximal strip is located at least about 65 degrees (e.g.,between about 65 and about 180 degrees) relative to the distal end ofthe second proximal strip, and further wherein the first and secondproximal strips intersect adjacent and distal to the proximalhub/junction (e.g., within about 0 and about 4 mm of the proximalhub/junction). Optionally, each distal crown forms part of a cell thatfurther comprises a proximal crown pointing generally in the proximaldirection and connected to a memory metal strip (e.g., a proximal stripcomprised of a memory metal or a basket strip comprised of a memorymetal). In other words, the proximal crowns are not free. Optionally,the basket, the proximal hub/junction and the proximal strips arecomprised of a memory metal, wherein the proximal hub/junction comprisesa proximal end and a distal end, and further wherein the proximal stripsare integral with the distal end of the proximal hub/junction.Optionally, the length of the distal body from the proximal hub/junctionto the distal hub/junction (not including any lead wire) is from about20 mm to about 65 mm. Optionally, the system is used in a method ofremoving a blood clot from a blood vessel of an animal the methodcomprising the steps of:

-   a) providing the system;-   b) positioning the system in the lumen;-   c) deploying the distal body from the distal end of the catheter;-   d) allowing the height and width of the distal body to increase;-   e) irradiating the distal body with x-rays;-   f) moving the clot into the distal basket interior; and-   g) moving the distal body proximally out of the blood vessel.

Optionally, the method further comprises irradiating the distal bodywith x-rays at at least two different angles. Optionally, at least onex-ray marker attached to the distal crowns is distal to the clot whenthe distal body is deployed from the distal end of the catheter.Optionally, the method further comprises applying contrast dyeproximally and distally to the clot. Optionally, the method furthercomprises providing a suction catheter having a proximal end and adistal end, and attaching the distal end of the suction catheter to theclot by applying suction to the suction catheter. Optionally, the methodfurther comprises aspirating by hand a pre-determined volume of fluidfrom the suction catheter using a syringe and then locking the syringeat the pre-determined volume. Optionally, the method further comprisesdelivering the suction catheter adjacent to the clot by advancing thecatheter over the pull wire.

In yet another embodiment, the system includes:

-   a pull wire having a proximal end and a distal end;-   a distal body attached to the pull wire, the distal body comprising    an interior, a proximal end, a distal end, a distal body length    extending from the proximal end to the distal end, a proximal    hub/junction (preferably in the form of a tube) forming the proximal    end of the distal body, a basket comprised of a plurality of cells    formed by a plurality of basket strips, a plurality of proximal    strips, and optionally a distal hub/junction (preferably in the form    of a tube) forming a distal end of the basket, the basket comprising    a basket interior, each proximal strip having a proximal end    attached to the proximal hub/junction, and a distal end attached to    a cell, the distal body having a relaxed state wherein the distal    body has a first height and a first width, and a collapsed state    wherein the distal body has a second height and a second width, the    second height less than the first height, the second width less than    the first width; and-   a catheter having an interior, a proximal end leading to the    interior and a distal end leading to the interior, the catheter    comprised of a biocompatible material and configured to envelope the    distal body when the distal body is in the collapsed state,-   wherein, in the relaxed state, the basket comprises a first pair of    distal crowns not attached to another cell of the basket and    pointing generally in the distal direction, the first pair of distal    crowns located approximately the same distance from the proximal    hub/junction and approximately 180 degrees relative to each other    (e.g., between about 150 degrees and about 180 degrees relative to    each other), and further wherein the basket further comprises a    second pair of distal crowns not attached to another cell of the    basket and pointing generally in the distal direction, the second    pair of distal crowns located distally relative to, and    approximately 90 degrees relative to, the first pair of distal    crowns (e.g., each distal crown of the second pair of distal crowns    is located approximately 60 degrees to 90 degrees relative to a    distal crown of the first pair of distal crowns), the distal crowns    in the second pair of distal crowns located approximately the same    distance from the proximal hub/junction, wherein each distal crown    of the first and second pair of distal crowns form a cell, each cell    further comprising a proximal crown pointing generally in the    proximal direction and connected to a memory metal strip, wherein    each of the distal crowns in the first pair and second pair of    distal crowns curve radially inward toward the basket interior in    the relaxed state, wherein the distal crowns of the first pair of    distal crowns are configured to contact each other when an exterior,    external compressive force (e.g., a thrombus) is exerted on a distal    crown of the first pair of distal crowns when the distal body is in    the relaxed state, and further wherein the distal crowns of the    second pair of distal crowns are configured to contact each other    when an exterior, external compressive force (e.g., a thrombus) is    exerted on a distal crown of the second pair of distal crowns when    the distal body is in the relaxed state. When it is said that a    proximal crown pointing generally in the proximal direction and is    connected to a memory metal strip, it is meant that the proximal    crown is either connected to a basket strip or a proximal strip    comprised of a memory metal (e.g., nitinol). When it is said that    the first pair of distal crowns are located approximately the same    distance from the proximal hub/junction, it will be understood that    if one of the first pair of distal crowns is located X distance from    the proximal hub/junction, the other of the first pair of distal    crowns is located X distance plus or minus (+/−) 0.5 mm from the    proximal hub/junction. Similarly, when it is said that the second    pair of distal crowns are located approximately the same distance    from the proximal hub/junction, it will be understood that if one of    the second pair of distal crowns is located Y distance from the    proximal hub/junction, the other of the first pair of distal crowns    is located Y distance plus or minus (+/−) 0.5 mm from the proximal    hub/junction. Optionally, instead of a distal hub/junction, the    basket includes an open distal end.

Optionally, the proximal hub/junction is located approximately in thecenter of the first height and first width in the relaxed state. Forexample, preferably the proximal hub/junction is located within 0.5 mmof the center of first width and the first height. Optionally, thecatheter is comprised of a polymeric material (i.e., one or morepolymeric materials such as silicone, PVC, latex rubber or braidednylon). Optionally, the pull wire is comprised of a biocompatiblemetallic material (e.g., a biocompatible metal or a biocompatible metalalloy). Optionally, in the relaxed state, the basket interior issubstantially hollow. Optionally, the proximal end of a first proximalstrip is located at least about 65 degrees (e.g., between about 65 andabout 180 degrees) relative to the distal end of the first proximalstrip, wherein the proximal end of a second proximal strip is located atleast about 65 degrees (e.g., between about 65 and about 180 degrees)relative to the distal end of the second proximal strip, and furtherwherein the first and second proximal strips intersect adjacent anddistal to the proximal hub/junction (e.g., within about 0 mm and about 4mm of the proximal hub/junction). Optionally, each distal crown in thefirst and second pair of distal crowns forms part of an enlarged celland further wherein the surface area of each enlarged cell in therelaxed state is at least twice as large as the surface area of eachother individual cell of the basket and further wherein the enlargedcells are configured to allow a thrombus to pass therethrough and intothe basket interior. Optionally, the pull wire is attached to theproximal hub/junction. Optionally, the basket, the proximal hub/junctionand the proximal strips are comprised of a memory metal, wherein theproximal hub/junction comprises a proximal end and a distal end, andfurther wherein the proximal strips are integral with the distal end ofthe proximal hub/junction. Optionally, the distal body further comprisesa lead wire extending distally from the distal hub/junction, the leadwire having a length of from about 3 mm to about 10 mm. Optionally, thedistal hub/junction, the proximal hub/junction, and the basket arecomprised of a nitinol having the same material composition and furtherwherein the proximal and the distal hubs/junctions are tubular andgenerally cylindrical in shape and each has an outer diameter and aninner diameter, the inner diameter forming apertures of the proximal anddistal hubs/junctions and further wherein the outer diameters of theproximal and distal hubs/junctions are substantially the same size andfurther wherein the inner diameters of the proximal and distalhubs/junctions are substantially the same size. Optionally, the lengthof the distal body from the proximal hub/junction to the distalhub/junction (not including any lead wire) is from about 20 mm to about65 mm.

Optionally, the system is used in a method of removing a blood clot froma blood vessel of an animal the method comprising the steps of:

-   a) providing the system;-   b) positioning the system in the lumen;-   c) deploying the distal body from the distal end of the catheter;-   d) allowing the height and width of the distal body to increase;-   e) irradiating the distal body with x-rays;-   f) moving the clot into the distal basket interior; and-   g) moving the distal body proximally out of the blood vessel.

Optionally, the method further comprises irradiating the distal bodywith x-rays at at least two different angles.

In other embodiments the present disclosure provides a system forremoving objects within an interior lumen of an animal, the systemcomprising:

a pull wire having a proximal end, a distal end and a pull wirelongitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end;

a coaxial sheath having a hollow interior, an open proximal end leadingto the interior, and an open distal end leading to the interior, thecoaxial sheath enveloping the pull wire, the coaxial sheath slideablealong at least a segment of the pull wire;

a distal basket comprising an interior, a proximal end, a distal end, adistal basket length extending from the distal basket proximal end tothe distal basket distal end, a distal basket height perpendicular tothe distal basket length, a plurality of proximal cells defined by aplurality of proximal cell memory metal strips, each proximal cellcomprising a proximal crown located at the proximal end of the proximalcell and pointing generally in the proximal direction and a distal crownlocated at the distal end of the proximal cell and pointing generally inthe distal direction, and a plurality of distal cells distal to theproximal cells;

a plurality of proximal strips, each proximal strip having a proximalend extending from the coaxial sheath, a distal end attached to aproximal crown of a proximal cell and a length extending from theproximal end to the distal end; and

a catheter having a hollow interior, a proximal end leading to theinterior and a distal end leading to the interior, the cathetercomprised of a biocompatible material,

the distal basket comprised of a memory metal and having:

a relaxed state in which the distal end of the coaxial sheath is locatedat a first position along the pull wire, the first position located afirst distance proximal to the proximal crowns, and in which the distalbasket, as measured at the proximal-most crown, has a first height,

a proximal collapsed state in which the distal end of the coaxial sheathis located at a second position along the pull wire, the second positionlocated a second distance proximal to the proximal crowns, and in whichthe distal basket, as measured at the proximal-most crown, has a secondheight, the second distance greater than the first distance, the secondheight less than the first height, and

a distal collapsed state in which the distal end of the coaxial sheathis located at a third position along the pull wire, the third positiondistal to the proximal crowns and located in the basket interior, and inwhich the distal basket, as measured at the proximal-most crown, has athird height, the third height less than the first height,

wherein the catheter is configured to envelope the distal basket whenthe distal basket is in the proximal collapsed state;

wherein the distal basket is configured to move from the relaxed stateto the proximal collapsed state by moving the distal end of the coaxialsheath proximally to the second position while keeping the distal basketat a fixed location along the pull wire; and

wherein the distal basket is configured to move from the relaxed stateto the distal collapsed state by moving the distal end of the coaxialsheath distally to the third position while keeping the distal basket ata fixed location along the pull wire.

Optionally, each proximal crown comprises a proximal tip and furtherwherein each proximal strip is configured to cover a proximal tip whenthe distal basket is in the distal collapsed state. Optionally, eachproximal crown comprises an eyelet and further wherein each proximalstrip passes through an eyelet. Optionally, the distal end of eachproximal strip comprises a loop attaching the proximal strip to aneyelet. Optionally, each proximal crown has an interior surface facingthe distal basket interior and an exterior surface opposite the interiorsurface and further wherein each proximal strip contacts an exteriorsurface of a proximal crown in the proximal collapsed state and in thedistal collapsed state. Optionally, the pull wire extends through thedistal basket interior and further wherein the proximal crowns areconfigured to move towards each other and towards the pull wire when thedistal basket moves from the relaxed state to the distal collapsed stateand when the distal basket moves from the relaxed state to the proximalcollapsed state. Optionally, the proximal crowns are configured toremain a fixed distance from the distal end of the distal basket whenthe distal basket moves from the relaxed state to the distal collapsedstate. Optionally, the coaxial sheath is a braided catheter comprised ofa plurality of braids, and further wherein the proximal segments of thebraids are wound together to form the braided catheter and furtherwherein an unwound distal segment of each braid forms a proximal strip.Optionally, at least one proximal crown further comprises an x-raymarker. Optionally, the proximal ends of the proximal strips areintegral with the coaxial sheath. Optionally, the proximal ends of theproximal strips are attached to the coaxial sheath. Optionally, thesystem comprises between two and four proximal strips and the proximalstrips are spaced substantially evenly apart. Optionally, the proximalstrips have a length of from about 5 millimeters to about 40 millimetersin the relaxed state. Optionally, the pull wire extends through thebasket interior from the distal basket proximal end to the distal basketdistal end. Optionally, the coaxial sheath interior has a size andshape, and further wherein the size and shape of the coaxial sheathinterior are configured to prevent a segment of the pull wire located inthe basket interior and distal relative to the distal end of the coaxialsheath from moving through the coaxial sheath interior. Optionally, thedistal end of the distal basket comprises a distal tube having an openproximal end and an open distal end, the distal tube comprised of amemory metal. Optionally, the distal basket and the distal were preparedfrom the same memory metal tube. Optionally, the second and thirdposition along the pull wire each comprise an x-ray marker. Optionally,the distal tube is attached to the pull wire such that the distal tubeis not slideable along the pull wire. Optionally, all proximal crowns ofthe proximal cells are attached to a proximal strip. Optionally, thedistal basket further comprises a lead wire extending distally from thedistal basket. Optionally, the proximal strips and the distal baskethave a different material composition. Optionally, the proximal stripsare comprised of a polymer. Optionally, the polymer is selected from thegroup consisting of fluorinated ethylene propylene,polytetrafluoroethylene, and tetrafluoroethtylene. Optionally, theproximal strips are comprised of a material selected from the groupconsisting of plastic, rubber, nylon, suture material, and braidedcatheter material.

Optionally, the system is used in a method of removing a clot from ablood vessel of an animal, the blood vessel having an interior wallforming the blood vessel, the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing the system, wherein the coaxial sheath is located in thecatheter interior and the distal basket is located in the catheterinterior in a collapsed state;

b) positioning the catheter in the blood vessel;

c) deploying the distal basket from the distal end of the catheter sothat the proximal crowns of the proximal cells are distal to the clot;

d) allowing the distal basket to move to the relaxed state;

e) holding the coaxial sheath in the user's hand and moving the coaxialsheath distally to a fourth position (i.e., the surgeoninterventionalist moves the coaxial sheath with his/her hands), thefourth position located distally beyond the proximal crowns and in thebasket interior but proximal to the third position (this third positionis not sufficiently distal to the proximal crowns to place tension onthe proximal strips; thus, the crowns do not begin to move towards eachother and the pull wire);

f) capturing the clot in the distal basket interior;

g) holding the coaxial sheath in a user's hand and moving the coaxialsheath further distally into the basket interior (i.e., to or near) thethird position (i.e., the surgeon interventionalist moves the coaxialsheath with his/her hands) so that the distal basket height, as measuredat the proximal-most crown, decreases and the proximal crowns movetoward each other and the pull wire; and

h) moving the system proximally out of the blood vessel.

In still further embodiments, the present disclosure provides a systemfor removing objects within an interior lumen of an animal, the systemcomprising:

a pull wire having a proximal end, a distal end and a pull wirelongitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end;

a coaxial sheath having an open proximal end and an open distal end, thecoaxial sheath enveloping the pull wire, the coaxial sheath slideablealong at least a segment of the pull wire;

a distal basket comprising an interior, a proximal end, a distal end, adistal basket length extending from the distal basket proximal end tothe distal end, a distal basket height perpendicular to the distalbasket length, a plurality of proximal cells defined by a plurality ofproximal cell memory metal strips, each proximal cell comprising aproximal crown located at the proximal end of the proximal cell andpointing generally in the proximal direction and a distal crown locatedat the distal end of the proximal cell and pointing generally in thedistal direction, and a plurality of distal cells distal to the proximalcells;

a plurality of proximal strips, each proximal strip having a proximalend extending from the coaxial sheath, a distal end attached to a crownof a proximal cell and a length extending from the proximal end to thedistal end; and

a catheter having a hollow interior, a proximal end leading to theinterior and a distal end leading to the interior, the cathetercomprised of a biocompatible material,

the distal basket comprised of a memory metal,

wherein each proximal crown of each proximal cell comprises an eyeletand further wherein each proximal strip passes through an eyelet.

The present disclosure also provides additional modular,easy-to-manufacture platform of systems for retrieving hard clots andother objects in animal lumens. In some embodiments, the system includesa proximal tube, a distal tube, and a plurality of memory metal stripsbetween the proximal and distal tubes. The plurality of memory metalstrips form a wide range of basket designs. Preferably, the proximaltube, memory metal strips, and distal tube are derived from a standard,off-the-shelf single tube of memory metal (e.g., a memory metal alloysuch as nitinol), with the proximal tube and distal tube having the sameinner diameter and outer diameter as the native tube from which theywere derived and with the basket formed by cutting the middle portion ofthe native tube and expanding and shape-setting this cut portion.Preferably, the proximal tube and distal tube have an outer diameterthat is from about 0.02 inches to about 0.03 inches (e.g., about 0.027inches) so that the device fits inside a standard microcatheter and aninner diameter that is from about 0.01 inches to about 0.02 inches.Preferably, there are no welded or soldered parts between the proximaltube and distal tube, which makes the system easy and cheap to reliablymanufacture. The system also includes one or more catheters fordeploying the system, a pull wire that passes through the hollowinterior of the proximal tube, and a coaxial tube. Preferably, thesystem includes two catheters—a guide catheter and a microcatheter. Thecoaxial tube envelopes the pull wire, is slideable along at least asegment of the pull wire, and is attached to the proximal hub/junction.The coaxial tube allows a user to move the proximal hub/junction towardand away from the distal hub/junction while keeping the distalhub/junction stationary. Movement of the proximal hub/junction towardand away from the distal hub/junction causes conformational changes inthe basket, including (depending on the basket design and the locationof the proximal tube), collapsing the basket, expanding the basket,strengthening the basket, and moving the basket around the clot. Theplurality of memory metal strips attached to the proximal hub/junctioninclude a plurality of proximal tether memory metal strips, which have aproximal end attached to the distal end of the proximal tube. The lengthand thickness of the proximal tether memory metal strips vary in thedifferent embodiments described herein, which allows the surgical userto select from the various embodiments in the platform based on thefeatures needed for the particular operation (e.g., vessel anatomy andhardness of the clot).

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method ofmanufacturing a system for removing objects within an interior lumen ofan animal that includes:

-   a) providing a single tube comprised of a memory metal, the single    tube having an exterior, a hollow interior, a wall separating the    exterior from the hollow interior, a proximal portion comprising an    aperture leading to the hollow interior, a distal portion comprising    an aperture leading to the hollow interior, and a middle portion    between the proximal portion and the distal portion;-   b) cutting the wall of the middle portion with a laser;-   c) removing the pieces of the middle portion cut by the laser to    form a basket system comprising a proximal tube comprising a hollow    interior extending through said proximal tube, said proximal tube    having a proximal end and a distal end, a distal tube comprising a    hollow interior extending through said distal tube, and a middle    portion located between said proximal tube and said distal tube and    comprising a plurality of proximal tether memory metal strips, each    proximal tether memory metal strip having a proximal end attached to    the distal end of the proximal tube and a distal end;-   d) altering the shape of the middle portion;-   e) allowing the middle portion to expand relative to the distal tube    and the proximal tube to form a basket that includes a plurality of    cells;-   f) optionally, inserting a pull wire through said proximal tube    interior so that said proximal tube is slideable along at least a    portion of said pull wire, said pull wire having a proximal end and    a distal end; and-   g) optionally, attaching said pull wire to said distal hub/junction.

In other embodiments, instead of steps f) and g) noted above, the methodincludes inserting a pull wire comprising a proximal end, a distal end,a stop located adjacent to said distal end, through said proximal tubeinterior, said stop having a width and/or height that is greater thansaid proximal tube interior, said stop located distal relative to saidproximal tube interior, so that said proximal tube is slideable distallyuntil the proximal hub/junction reaches said stop, said pull wire notcontacting said distal tube. In such embodiments, the pull wire does notcontact the distal hub/junction. Rather in these embodiments, the methodfurther includes attaching a leader wire to said distal tube

In some embodiments, either of the above methods further include h)providing a coaxial tube, said coaxial tube comprising a hollow interiorreceiving said pull wire, a proximal end, and a distal end, and i)attaching said distal end of said coaxial tube to said proximal tube. Insome embodiments, the method of attaching said distal end of saidcoaxial tube to said proximal tube comprises welding or soldering saiddistal end of said coaxial tube to said proximal tube. In otherembodiments, the method of attaching said distal end of said coaxialtube to said proximal tube comprises shrink wrapping said distal end ofsaid coaxial tube to said proximal tube. In other embodiments, themethod of attaching said distal end of said coaxial tube to saidproximal tube comprises gluing said distal end of said coaxial tube tosaid proximal tube.

Optionally, after step e, the basket further comprises a row of proximalcells, each proximal cell defined by a plurality of memory metal stripsand comprising a proximal crown located at a proximal end of the celland pointing in the proximal direction and a distal crown located at adistal end of the cell and pointing in the distal direction and furtherwherein each of said proximal crowns of said proximal cells is attachedto a distal end of a proximal tether memory metal strip. Optionally,after step e, the basket further comprises a row of distal cells locateddistal to said proximal cells and connected to said distal crowns ofsaid proximal cells, each distal cell defined by a plurality of memorymetal strips and comprising a proximal crown located at a proximal endof the cell and pointing in the proximal direction and a distal crownlocated at a distal end of the cell and pointing in the distaldirection, and further wherein the number of distal cells is twice thenumber of proximal cells. Optionally, after step e, the basket furthercomprises a row of distal crowns distal to said proximal crowns andpointing in the distal direction and further wherein the number ofdistal crowns in said row is twice the number of proximal crownsattached to said proximal tether memory metal strip.

Optionally, after step e, the basket system further comprises a row ofstrut memory metal strips, each strut memory metal strip having aproximal end attached to a distal crown of a proximal cell and a distalend attached to a proximal crown of a distal cell. Optionally, thebasket comprises no welded or soldered components and said proximaltether memory metal strips are integral with said proximal cell crowns.

Optionally, after step e, the basket system comprises between two andfour proximal tether memory metal strips. Optionally, the method furthercomprises not altering the shape of the proximal and distal portionswhile altering the shape of the middle portion. Optionally, the methodfurther comprises cooling the proximal portion, the middle portion, andthe distal portion after step D) and, after cooling, the proximal anddistal portions have substantially the same size as the proximal anddistal portions had prior to step A). Optionally, the method of allowingsaid middle portion to expand comprises heating the middle portion.Optionally, the method of altering the shape of the middle portioncomprises using a mandrel. Optionally, the mandrel is tapered.Optionally, the proximal portion and the distal portion are not cut bythe laser. Optionally, prior to cutting the memory metal tube, thememory metal tube has an outer diameter that is from about 0.011 inchesto about 0.054 inches and an inner diameter that is from about 0.008inches to about 0.051 inches. Optionally, after step e), the proximaltube and distal tube have an outer diameter that is from about 0.02inches to about 0.03 inches and an inner diameter that is from about0.01 inches to about 0.02 inches. Optionally, the method furtherincludes placing said basket inside a catheter comprised of abiocompatible material. Optionally, the method further includes thesteps of placing the basket inside a lumen of an animal and using thebasket to retrieve an object located inside said lumen.

The present disclosure also provides several systems for removingobjects within an interior lumen of an animal. In some embodiments, thesystem includes:

a pull wire having a proximal end, a distal end and a pull wirelongitudinal axis extending from said proximal end to said distal end;

a distal basket attached to said pull wire, said distal basketcomprising a proximal end, a distal end, a distal basket lengthextending from said distal basket proximal end to said distal end, adistal basket height perpendicular to said distal basket length and saidpull wire longitudinal axis, a proximal hub/junction located at saidproximal end of the distal basket, said proximal hub/junction comprisinga hollow interior, said pull wire passing through said proximalhub/junction hollow interior, said proximal hub/junction slideable alongat least a segment of the pull wire, a plurality of proximal tethermemory metal strips, a plurality of proximal cells defined by aplurality of proximal cell memory metal strips, each proximal cellcomprising a proximal crown located at the proximal end of the proximalcell and pointing generally in the proximal direction and a distal crownlocated at the distal end of the proximal cell and pointing generally inthe distal direction, each proximal tether memory metal strip having aproximal end attached to said proximal hub/junction, a distal endattached to a crown of a proximal cell and a length extending from saidproximal end to said distal end, a plurality of distal cells distal tothe proximal cells, and a distal hub/junction located at said distal endof said distal basket and comprising a hollow interior,

said distal basket having

a relaxed state in which said proximal hub/junction is located a firstdistance proximal to said proximal crowns and wherein said distal baskethas a first height, as measured at the proximal-most crown,

a gaping state in which said proximal hub/junction is located a seconddistance from said proximal crowns and wherein has a second height, asmeasured at the proximal-most crown, said second height greater thansaid first height, said second distance less than said first distance,

a proximal collapsed state in which said proximal hub/junction islocated a third distance proximal to said proximal crowns and whereinsaid distal basket has a third height, as measured at the proximal-mostcrown, said third distance greater than said first distance, said thirdheight less than said first height,

a catheter having a hollow interior, a proximal end leading to saidinterior and a distal end leading to said interior, said cathetercomprised of a biocompatible material and configured to envelope saiddistal basket when said distal basket is in said proximal collapsedstate;

wherein said distal basket is configured to move from said relaxed stateto said gaping state by moving said proximal hub/junction distallyrelative to said distal hub/junction; and wherein said distal basket isconfigured to move from said expanded state to said proximal collapsedstate by moving said proximal hub/junction proximally relative to saiddistal hub/junction.

In some embodiments, the proximal tether memory metal strips have athickness of between about 25% and 75% of the memory metal stripsforming the proximal cell of the distal basket. In these embodiments,translation of the proximal hub/junction toward the stationary distalhub/junction deforms the tethers instead of the distal basket. In otherembodiments, the proximal tether memory metal strips are as thick orthicker than the memory metal strips forming the proximal cells of thedistal basket (e.g., between about 100% and 175% of the thickness of thememory metal strips forming the proximal cells of the basket). In theseembodiments with thicker proximal tether memory metal strips, theproximal tether memory metal strips resist deforming when the proximalhub/junction is translated distally toward the stationary distalhub/junction and instead the proximal tether memory metal strips arebowed out laterally, dissecting through or around the clot andcentering, buttressing and strengthening the opening of the basket.Generally, in both embodiments, moving the proximal hub/junction towardsthe distal hub/junction when the basket is in the relaxed state causesthe proximal crowns of the proximal cells to move apart from each other,thereby expanding the opening of the distal basket. Preferably, in theembodiments with the thin tethers, in the relaxed state, the tethershave a length of from about 3 mm to about 10 mm, and in the embodimentswith the thick tethers, the tethers have a length of from about 10 mm toabout 20 mm.

Optionally, the distal basket further comprises a distal collapsed statein which said proximal hub/junction is located distal to said proximalcrowns and wherein said distal basket has a fourth height, as measuredat the proximal-most crown, said fourth height less than said firstheight and, wherein said catheter is configured to envelope said distalbasket when said distal basket is in said distal collapsed state, andfurther wherein said distal basket is configured to move from saidgaping state to said distal collapsed state by moving said proximalhub/junction distally relative to said distal hub/junction. Optionally,the system further includes a coaxial tube, said coaxial tube configuredto be received in said catheter, said coaxial tube having a proximalend, a distal end attached to said proximal hub/junction, and a hollowinterior, said pull wire passing through said coaxial tube hollowinterior, said coaxial tube slideable along at least a segment of saidpull wire. In some embodiments with the thin proximal memory metalstrips, the combined length of two of said proximal tether memory metalstrips is within about 2 mm of said second height. In other embodimentswith the thin proximal memory metal strips, the combined length of twoof said proximal tether memory metal strips is within about 2 mm of saidsecond height multiplied by a factor of two. Optionally, said pull wireextends from said distal basket proximal end to said distal basketdistal end. Optionally, said pull wire is not in contact with saiddistal hub/junction. Optionally, in said gaping state, said proximalhub/junction is located parallel to said proximal crown. Optionally,said pull wire and said proximal hub/junction are offset from the centerof the distal basket height, as measured at the proximal-most crown.Optionally, all proximal crowns of said proximal cells are attached to aproximal tether memory metal strip. In other embodiments, the system hasfour proximal cells, each proximal cell having a proximal crown, and notall (e.g., only two) of the proximal crowns are attached to a proximaltether memory metal strip. Optionally, said distal basket furthercomprises a plurality of strut memory metal strips and plurality ofdistal cells defined by a plurality of distal memory metal strips, saiddistal cells comprising a proximal crown located at a proximal end ofsaid distal cells and a distal crown located at a distal end of saiddistal cells, said strut memory metal strips having a proximal endattached to a distal crown of a proximal cell and a distal end attachedto a proximal crown of a distal cell. Optionally, the distal basketcomprises between two and four proximal tether memory metal strips.Optionally, said proximal memory metal strips are integral with saidproximal hub/junction. Optionally, said proximal hub/junction is a tube,wherein said interior of said proximal hub/junction has a size andshape, and further wherein said size and shape of said proximalhub/junction interior are configured to prevent a segment of said pullwire distal relative to said proximal hub/junction from moving throughproximal hub/junction interior. Optionally, said distal hub/junction isa tube. Optionally, said distal hub/junction is attached to said pullwire such that said distal hub/junction is not slideable along said pullwire. Optionally, said distal basket further comprises a lead wireextending distally from said distal hub/junction. Optionally, saiddistal hub/junction, said proximal hub/junction, and said basket arecomprised of a nitinol having the same material composition. Optionally,said distal basket further comprises an x-ray marker. Optionally, saidproximal and said distal hubs/junctions are generally cylindrical inshape and each has an outer diameter and an inner diameter, the innerdiameter forming apertures of the proximal and distal hubs/junctions andfurther wherein the outer diameters of the proximal and distalhubs/junctions are substantially the same size and further wherein theinner diameters of the proximal and distal hubs/junctions aresubstantially the same size. Optionally, the outer diameters of theproximal and distal hubs/junctions are from about 0.011 inches to about0.054 inches, and further wherein the inner diameters of the proximaland distal hubs/junctions are from about 0.008 inches to about 0.051inches. Optionally, the proximal tube and distal tube have an outerdiameter that is from about 0.02 inches to about 0.03 inches and aninner diameter that is from about 0.01 inches to about 0.02 inches.Optionally, the pull wire is generally cylindrical and further whereinthe diameter of the pull wire is between about 0.008 inches and about0.051 inches. Optionally, the first height of the distal basket isbetween about 2 millimeters and about 8 millimeters. Optionally, saidproximal tether memory metal strips rotate about said pull wirelongitudinal axis such that a distal end of a proximal tether memorymetal strip is located between about 90 and about 270 degrees relativeto said proximal end of the same proximal tether memory metal strip.

The present disclosure also provides a method of removing an object froman interior lumen of an animal, said lumen having an interior wallforming said lumen. In some embodiments, the method includes:

-   a) providing the system described above;-   b) positioning the system in said lumen, said basket located in said    catheter in a collapsed state;-   c) deploying said distal basket from said distal end of said    catheter so that said proximal crowns of said proximal cells are    distal to said obstruction;-   d) allowing said distal basket to move to said relaxed state;-   e) moving said proximal hub/junction distally relative to said    distal hub/junction so that said distal basket height, as measured    at the proximal-most crown, increase;-   f) moving said distal basket over said obstruction; and-   g) removing said distal basket and said obstruction from said lumen.

Optionally, the interior lumen is an intracranial artery and saidobstruction is a blood clot. Optionally, the method further comprisesusing said blood clot to move said proximal hub/junction distallyrelative to said distal hub/junction and allow said distal basket tomove to said gaping state. Optionally, the method further comprisesusing a coaxial tube to push said proximal hub/junction distallyrelative to said distal hub/junction and allow said distal basket tomove to said gaping state. Optionally, the method further includes,after step e, moving said proximal hub/junction relative to said distalhub/junction so that said distal basket height, as measured at theproximal-most crown, decrease. Optionally, after step e, said pull wireand said proximal hub/junction are offset with respect to the center ofsaid distal basket height, as measured at the proximal-most crown, asmeasured at the proximal-most crown, and the center of said lumen.

The present disclosure also provides a system for removing objectswithin an interior lumen of an animal, the system comprising:

a pull wire having a proximal end, a distal end and a pull wirelongitudinal axis extending from said proximal end to said distal end;

a proximal basket attached to said pull wire, said proximal basketcomprising a proximal end, a distal end, a proximal basket lengthextending from said proximal basket proximal end to said distal end, aproximal basket height perpendicular to said proximal basket length andsaid pull wire longitudinal axis, a proximal tube located at saidproximal end of the proximal basket, said proximal tube comprising ahollow interior, said pull wire passing through said hollow interior andsaid proximal tube slideable along at least a segment of said pull wire,a plurality of rows of cells, each cell defined by a plurality of memorymetal strips, each cell comprising a proximal crown located at theproximal end of the proximal cell and pointing generally in the proximaldirection and a distal crown located at the distal end of the proximalcell and pointing generally in the distal direction,

a distal basket attached to said pull wire, said distal basketcomprising a proximal end, a distal end, a distal basket lengthextending from said distal basket proximal end to said distal end, adistal basket height perpendicular to said distal basket length and saidpull wire longitudinal axis, a distal tube located at said distal end ofthe distal basket, said distal tube comprising a hollow interior, aplurality of rows of cells, each cell defined by a plurality of memorymetal strips, each cell comprising a proximal crown located at theproximal end of the proximal cell and pointing generally in the proximaldirection and a distal crown located at the distal end of the proximalcell and pointing generally in the distal direction,

a plurality of tether memory metal strips, each tether memory metalstrip having a proximal end attached to a distal crown of a cell locatedat the distal end of said proximal basket and a distal end attached to aproximal crown of a cell located at the proximal end of said distalbasket, said proximal basket having

a relaxed state wherein said proximal basket has a first height, asmeasured at the distal-most crown, and said proximal hub/junction islocated a first distance proximal to said distal hub/junction;

a collapsed state wherein said proximal basket has a second height, asmeasured at the distal-most crown, said second height less than saidfirst height;

a gaping state wherein said proximal basket has a third height, asmeasured at the distal-most crown, and said proximal hub/junction islocated a second distance proximal to said distal hub/junction, saidthird height greater than said first height and said second distanceless than said first distance,

-   said proximal basket configured to move from said expanded state to    said gaping state by pushing said proximal tube distally relative to    said distal tube;-   said distal basket having

a relaxed state wherein said distal basket has a first height and

a collapsed state wherein said distal basket has a second height, saidsecond height less than said first height, and

a catheter having an interior, a proximal end leading to said interiorand a distal end leading to said interior, said catheter comprised of abiocompatible material and configured to envelope said distal and saidproximal basket when said baskets are in said collapsed state.

Optionally, said proximal tether memory metal strips rotate about saidpull wire longitudinal axis such that a distal end of a proximal tethermemory metal strip is located between about 90 and about 270 degreesrelative to said proximal end of the same proximal tether memory metalstrip.

In some embodiments, the system does not include a proximal hub/junctionand the system includes soft cords in place of or in addition to theproximal memory metal strips. For example, in one embodiment, the systemincludes:

-   a pull wire having a proximal end, a distal end and a pull wire    longitudinal axis extending from said proximal end to said distal    end;-   a coaxial tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a hollow    interior, said pull wire passing through said coaxial tube hollow    interior, said coaxial tube slideable along at least a segment of    said pull wire;-   a distal basket attached to said pull wire and said coaxial tube,    said distal basket comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a distal    basket length extending from said distal basket proximal end to said    distal end, a distal basket height perpendicular to said distal    basket length and said pull wire longitudinal axis, a plurality of    cords, a plurality of proximal cells defined by a plurality of    proximal cell memory metal strips, each proximal cell comprising a    proximal crown located at the proximal end of the proximal cell and    pointing generally in the proximal direction and a distal crown    located at the distal end of the proximal cell and pointing    generally in the distal direction, each cord having a proximal end    attached to said coaxial tube, a distal end attached to a crown of a    proximal cell and a length extending from said proximal end to said    distal end, a plurality of distal cells distal to the proximal    cells, and a distal hub/junction located at said distal end of said    distal basket and comprising a hollow interior,-   said distal basket having-   a relaxed state in which said coaxial tube is located a first    distance proximal to said proximal crowns and wherein said distal    basket, as measured at the proximal-most crown, has a first height,    a proximal collapsed state in which said coaxial tube is located a    second distance proximal to said proximal crowns and wherein said    distal basket, as measured at the proximal-most crown, has a second    height, said second distance greater than said first distance, said    second height less than said first height,-   a catheter having a hollow interior, a proximal end leading to said    interior and a distal end leading to said interior, said catheter    comprised of a biocompatible material and configured to envelope    said coaxial tube and said distal basket when said distal basket is    in said proximal collapsed state; wherein said distal basket is    configured to move from said relaxed state to said proximal    collapsed state by moving said coaxial tube proximally relative to    said distal hub/junction.

Optionally, the distal basket further comprises a distal collapsed statein which said coaxial tube is located distal to said proximal crowns andwherein said distal basket, as measured at the proximal-most crown, hasa third height, said third height less than said first height, whereinsaid catheter is configured to envelope said distal basket when saiddistal basket is in said distal collapsed state, and further whereinsaid distal basket is configured to move from said relaxed state to saiddistal collapsed state by moving said coaxial tub distally relative tosaid distal hub/junction. Optionally said cord is comprised of amaterial selected from the group consisting of plastic, rubber, nylon,sututre material, braided catheter material, platinum coils, andultrafine nitinol. Optionally, said cords are integral with said coaxialsheath. Optionally, said cords are glued to said coaxial sheath.Optionally, said cords are shrink wrapped to said coaxial sheath.Optionally, said cords have a thickness of about 0.004 to about 0.1inches (more preferably, from about 0.004 to 0.018 inches). Optionally,said cords in said relaxed state, have a length of about 3 to about 20mm. Optionally, said pull wire extends from said distal basket proximalend to said distal basket distal end and said pull wire is attached tosaid distal hub/junction. Optionally, all proximal crowns of saidproximal cells are attached to a cord. Optionally, the basket comprisesfour proximal cells, each proximal cell having a proximal crown, and notall (e.g., only two) of the proximal crowns are attached to a cord.Optionally, said distal basket further comprises a plurality of strutmemory metal strips and plurality of distal cells defined by a pluralityof distal memory metal strips, said distal cells comprising a proximalcrown located at a proximal end of said distal cells and a distal crownlocated at a distal end of said distal cells, said strut memory metalstrips having a proximal end attached to a distal crown of a proximalcell and a distal end attached to a proximal crown of a distal cell.Optionally, the distal basket comprises between two and four cords.Optionally, said distal hub/junction is attached to said pull wire suchthat said distal hub/junction is not slideable along said pull wire.Optionally, said distal basket further comprises a lead wire extendingdistally from said distal hub/junction. Optionally, said distalhub/junction and said basket are comprised of a nitinol having the samematerial composition. Optionally, said distal basket and/or said coaxialtube further comprises an x-ray marker. Optionally, said distalhub/junction is generally cylindrical in shape and has an outer diameterand an inner diameter, the inner diameter forming the aperture of thedistal hub/junction and further wherein the outer diameter of the distalhub/junction from about 0.011 inches to about 0.054 inches, and furtherwherein the inner diameter of the distal hub/junction is from about0.008 inches to about 0.051 inches. Optionally, the distal tube has anouter diameter that is from about 0.02 inches to about 0.03 inches andan inner diameter that is from about 0.01 inches to about 0.02 inches.Optionally, the pull wire is generally cylindrical and further whereinthe diameter of the pull wire is between about 0.008 inches and about0.051 inches. Optionally, the first height of the distal basket, asmeasured at the proximal-most crown, is between about 2 millimeters andabout 8 millimeters. Optionally, said cords are soft.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method ofremoving an object from an interior lumen of an animal, said lumenhaving an interior wall forming said lumen, the method comprising thesteps of:

-   a) providing the system described above;-   b) positioning the system in said lumen, said basket located in said    catheter in a collapsed state;-   c) deploying said distal basket from said distal end of said    catheter so that said proximal crowns of said proximal cells are    distal to said obstruction;-   d) allowing said distal basket to move to said relaxed state;-   e) moving said coaxial tube distally relative to said distal    hub/junction so that said coaxial tube moves distally to the    proximal-most crown;-   f) moving said distal basket, said pull wire and said coaxial tube    proximally so that said distal basket moves over said obstruction;-   g) moving said coaxial sheath distally relative to said distal    hub/junction so that said distal basket height, as measured at the    proximal-most crown, decreases and said coaxial tube is closer to    said distal hub/junction as compared to the proximal-most crown; and-   h) removing said distal basket and said obstruction from said lumen.

In other embodiments, the method includes

-   a) providing the system described above;-   b) positioning the system in said lumen, said basket located in said    catheter in a collapsed state;-   c) deploying said distal basket from said distal end of said    catheter so that said proximal crowns of said proximal cells are    distal to said obstruction;-   d) allowing said distal basket to move to said relaxed state;-   e) moving said coaxial tube distally relative to said distal    hub/junction so that said coaxial tube moves distally to the    proximal-most crown;-   f) moving said distal basket, said pull wire and said coaxial tube    proximally so that said distal basket moves over said obstruction;-   g) moving said coaxial sheath proximally relative to said distal    hub/junction so that said distal basket height, as measured at the    proximal-most crown, decreases;-   h) moving said catheter distally relative to said distal    hub/junction so that said catheter re-sheaths said coaxial sheath    and partially re-sheaths said cords, thereby decreasing said distal    basket height, as measured at the proximal-most crown;-   i) removing said distal basket and said obstruction from said lumen.

Optionally, said interior lumen is an intracranial artery and saidobstruction is a blood clot.

In other embodiments that do not include a proximal hub/junction, thesystem includes

-   a pull wire having a proximal end, a distal end and a pull wire    longitudinal axis extending from said proximal end to said distal    end;-   a coaxial tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a hollow    interior, said pull wire passing through said coaxial tube hollow    interior, said coaxial tube slideable along at least a segment of    said pull wire;-   a distal basket attached to said pull wire and said coaxial tube,    said distal basket comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a distal    basket length extending from said distal basket proximal end to said    distal end, a distal basket height perpendicular to said distal    basket length and said pull wire longitudinal axis, a plurality of    proximal tether memory metal strips, a plurality of cords, a    plurality of proximal cells defined by a plurality of proximal cell    memory metal strips, each proximal cell comprising a proximal crown    located at the proximal end of the proximal cell and pointing    generally in the proximal direction and a distal crown located at    the distal end of the proximal cell and pointing generally in the    distal direction, each proximal tether memory metal strip having a    proximal end attached to said coaxial tube and a distal end, each    cord having a proximal end attached to a distal end of a proximal    tether memory metal strip and a distal end attached to a crown of a    proximal cell and a length extending from said proximal end to said    distal end, and a plurality of distal cells distal to the proximal    cells, and a distal hub/junction located at said distal end of said    distal basket and comprising a hollow interior,-   said distal basket having-   a relaxed state in which said distal basket, as measured at the    proximal-most crown, has a first height,-   a collapsed state in which said distal basket, as measured at the    proximal-most crown, has a second height, said second height less    than said first height,-   a catheter having a hollow interior, a proximal end leading to said    interior and a distal end leading to said interior, said catheter    comprised of a biocompatible material and configured to envelope    said coaxial tube and said distal basket when said distal basket is    in said collapsed state.

Optionally, said cord is comprised of a material selected from the groupconsisting of plastic, rubber, nylon, sututre material, braided cathetermaterial, platinum coils and ultrafine nitinol. Optionally, saidproximal tether memory metal strips are integral with said coaxialsheath. Optionally, said cords are glued to said proximal tether memorymetal strips. Optionally, said cords are shrink wrapped to said proximaltether memory metal strips. Optionally, said cords have a thickness offrom about 0.004 and about 0.1 inches (more preferably about 0.004 toabout 0.018 inches) and said cords have a length of from about 3 mm toabout 10 mm in said relaxed state. Optionally, said pull wire extendsfrom said distal basket proximal end to said distal basket distal endand said pull wire is attached to said distal hub/junction. Optionally,all proximal crowns of said proximal cells are attached to a cord.Optionally, the basket comprises four proximal cells, each proximal cellhaving a proximal crown, and not all (e.g., only two) of the proximalcrowns are attached to a cord. Optionally, said distal basket furthercomprises a plurality of strut memory metal strips and plurality ofdistal cells defined by a plurality of distal memory metal strips, saiddistal cells comprising a proximal crown located at a proximal end ofsaid distal cells and a distal crown located at a distal end of saiddistal cells, said strut memory metal strips having a proximal endattached to a distal crown of a proximal cell and a distal end attachedto a proximal crown of a distal cell. Optionally, the distal basketcomprises between two and four cords. Optionally, said distalhub/junction is attached to said pull wire such that said distalhub/junction is not slideable along said pull wire. Optionally, saiddistal basket further comprises a lead wire extending distally from saiddistal hub/junction. Optionally, said distal hub/junction and saidbasket are comprised of a nitinol having the same material composition.Optionally, said distal basket and/or said coaxial tube furthercomprises an x-ray marker. Optionally, said distal hub/junction isgenerally cylindrical in shape and has an outer diameter and an innerdiameter, the inner diameter forming the aperture of the distalhub/junction and further wherein the outer diameter of the distalhub/junction is from about 0.011 inches to about 0.054 inches, andfurther wherein the inner diameter of the distal hub/junction is fromabout 0.008 inches to about 0.051 inches. Optionally, the distal tubehas an outer diameter that is from about 0.02 inches to about 0.03inches and an inner diameter that is from about 0.01 inches to about0.02 inches. Optionally the pull wire is generally cylindrical andfurther wherein the diameter of the pull wire is between about 0.008inches and about 0.051 inches. Optionally, the first height of thedistal basket, as measured at the proximal-most crown, is between about2 millimeters and about 8 millimeters. Optionally, the cords are soft.

In some embodiments, the above system is used in a method of removing anobject from an interior lumen of an animal, said lumen having aninterior wall forming said lumen that includes

-   a) providing the above system;-   b) positioning the system in said lumen, said basket located in said    catheter in a collapsed state;-   c) deploying said distal basket from said distal end of said    catheter so that said proximal crowns of said proximal cells are    distal to said obstruction, said coaxial sheath is proximal to said    obstruction, said proximal tether memory metal strips are proximal    to said obstruction, and said cords are adjacent to said    obstruction;-   d) allowing said distal basket to move to said relaxed state;-   e) moving said coaxial tube distally relative to said distal    hub/junction so that said proximal tether memory metal strips move    distally relative to the proximal-most crown and said obstruction is    sandwiched between said proximal tether memory metal strips and said    proximal crowns of said proximal cells;-   f) removing said distal basket and said obstruction from said lumen.

Optionally said interior lumen is an intracranial artery and saidobstruction is a blood clot.

In still further embodiments, the system includes a first wire that isattached to the proximal tube (but not the distal tube) and a secondwire that is attached to the distal tube (but not the proximal tube).Preferably, in such embodiments, the system includes two catheters—aguide catheter and a microcatheter. The plurality of memory metal stripsattached to the proximal hub/junction include a plurality of proximaltether memory metal strips, which have a proximal end attached to thedistal end of the proximal tube. In some embodiments, the presentdisclosure provides a method of manufacturing a system for removingobjects within an interior lumen of an animal comprising:

-   a) providing a single tube comprised of a memory metal, the single    tube having an exterior, a hollow interior, a wall separating the    exterior from the hollow interior, a proximal portion comprising an    aperture leading to the hollow interior, a distal portion comprising    an aperture leading to the hollow interior, and a middle portion    between the proximal portion and the distal portion;-   b) cutting the wall of the middle portion with a laser;-   c) removing the pieces of the middle portion cut by the laser to    form a basket system comprising a proximal tube comprising a    proximal end, a distal end, and a hollow interior extending through    said proximal tube, a distal tube comprising a hollow interior    extending through said distal tube, and a middle portion located    between said proximal tube and said distal tube and comprising a    plurality of proximal memory metal tether strips, each proximal    memory metal tether strip having a proximal end attached to the    distal end of said proximal tube and a distal end,-   d) altering the shape of the middle portion;-   e) allowing the middle portion to expand relative to the distal tube    and the proximal tube;-   f) attaching a first wire to the proximal tube; and-   g) attaching a second wire to the distal tube.

Optionally, after step e, the basket system further comprises a row ofproximal cells, each proximal cell defined by a plurality of memorymetal strips and comprising a proximal crown located at a proximal endof the cell and pointing in the proximal direction and a distal crownlocated at a distal end of the cell and pointing in the distal directionand further wherein each of said proximal crowns of said proximal cellsis attached to a distal end of a proximal tether memory metal strip.

Optionally, after step e, the basket system further comprises a row ofdistal cells located distal to said proximal cells and connected to saiddistal crowns of said proximal cells, each distal cell defined by aplurality of memory metal strips and comprising a proximal crown locatedat a proximal end of the cell and pointing in the proximal direction anda distal crown located at a distal end of the cell and pointing in thedistal direction, and further wherein the number of distal cells istwice the number of proximal cells. Optionally, after step e, the basketsystem further comprises a row of strut memory metal strips, each struthaving a proximal end attached to a distal crown of a proximal cell anda distal end attached to a proximal crown of a distal cell. Optionally,after step e, the basket system further comprises a row of distal crownslocated distal to said proximal crowns and pointing in the distaldirection, and further wherein the number of distal crowns in said rowis twice the number of proximal crowns attached to said proximal tethermemory metal strips. Optionally, the step of attaching said first wireto said proximal tube comprises placing said first wire inside saidaperture of said proximal tube and gluing said first wire to saidproximal tube. Optionally, the step of attaching said first wire to saidproximal tube comprises placing said first wire inside said aperture ofsaid proximal tube and welding or soldering said first wire to saidproximal tube. Optionally, the step of attaching said first wire to saidproximal tube comprises shrink wrapping said first wire to said proximaltube. Optionally, after step e, the basket system comprises between twoand four proximal tether memory metal strips. Optionally, the methodfurther comprises not altering the shape of the proximal and distalportions while altering the shape of the middle portion. Optionally, themethod further comprises cooling the proximal portion, the middleportion, and the distal portion after step D) and, after cooling, theproximal and distal portions have substantially the same size as theproximal and distal portions had prior to step A). Optionally, themethod of allowing said middle portion to expand comprises heating themiddle portion. Optionally, the method of altering the shape of themiddle portion comprises using a mandrel. Optionally, the mandrel istapered. Optionally, the proximal portion and the distal portion are notcut by the laser. Optionally, prior to cutting the memory metal tube,the memory metal tube has an outer diameter that is from about 0.011inches to about 0.054 inches and an inner diameter that is from about0.008 inches to about 0.051 inches. Optionally, after step e), theproximal tube and distal tube have an outer diameter that is from about0.02 inches to about 0.03 inches and an inner diameter that is fromabout 0.01 inches to about 0.02 inches. Optionally, the method furtherincludes placing said basket inside a catheter comprised of abiocompatible material.

The present disclosure also provides a system for removing objectswithin an interior lumen of an animal. In some embodiments, the systemincludes

-   a pull wire having a proximal end, a distal end and a pull wire    longitudinal axis extending from said proximal end to said distal    end;-   a distal basket attached to said pull wire, said distal basket    comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a distal basket length    extending from said distal basket proximal end to said distal end, a    distal basket height perpendicular to said distal basket length and    said pull wire longitudinal axis, a proximal tube located at said    proximal end of the distal basket, said proximal tube comprising a    hollow interior, a plurality of proximal tether memory metal strips,    a row of proximal cells defined by a plurality of proximal cell    memory metal strips, each proximal cell comprising a proximal crown    located at the proximal end of the proximal cell and pointing    generally in the proximal direction, each proximal tether memory    metal strip having a proximal end attached to said proximal tube, a    distal end attached to a crown of a proximal cell and a length    extending from said proximal end to said distal end, a row of distal    crowns located distal to said proximal cells pointing in the distal    direction, and further wherein the number of distal crowns in said    row is twice the number of proximal crowns attached to said proximal    tether memory metal strips, and a distal tube located at said distal    end of said distal basket,-   said distal basket having-   a relaxed state wherein said distal basket has a first height and-   a collapsed state wherein said distal basket has a second height,    said second height less than said first height, and-   a catheter having an interior, a proximal end leading to said    interior and a distal end leading to said interior, said catheter    comprised of a biocompatible material and configured to envelope    said distal body when said distal basket is in said collapsed state.

Optionally, said proximal tether memory metal strips rotate about saidpull wire longitudinal axis such that a distal end of a proximal tethermemory metal strip is located between about 90 and about 270 degreesrelative to said proximal end of the same proximal tether memory metalstrip. Optionally, said proximal tether memory metal strips and saidproximal cell memory metal strips each have a thickness and furtherwherein said thickness of said proximal tether memory metal strips isbetween about 100 to about 175 percent of the thickness of the proximalcell memory metal strips. Optionally, the length of said proximal tethermemory metal strips is about 10 mm to about 20 mm in the relaxed (andthe length of the remainder of the basket is about 10 to about 20 mm inthe relaxed state so that the total basket length is between about 20 toabout 40 mm in the relaxed state). Optionally, said distal end of saidpull wire is attached to said proximal tube. Some or all of the proximalcrowns of said proximal cells may be attached to a proximal tethermemory metal strip. Optionally, said distal basket further comprises arow of strut memory metal strips, each strut memory metal strip having aproximal end attached to a distal crown of a proximal cell and a distalend attached to a proximal crown of a distal cell. Optionally, thedistal basket comprises between two and four proximal tether memorymetal strips. Optionally, said proximal tether memory metal strips areintegral with said proximal tube. Optionally, said distal body furthercomprises a lead wire extending distally from said distal tube.Optionally, said distal tube, said proximal tube, and said basket arecomprised of a nitinol having the same material composition. Optionally,said distal body further comprises an x-ray marker. Optionally, saidproximal and said distal tubes are generally cylindrical in shape andeach has an outer diameter and an inner diameter, the inner diameterforming the apertures of the proximal and distal tubes and furtherwherein the outer diameters of the proximal and distal tubes aresubstantially the same size and further wherein the inner diameters ofthe proximal and distal tubes are substantially the same size.Optionally, the outer diameters of the proximal and distal tubes arefrom about 0.011 inches to about 0.054 inches, and further wherein theinner diameters of the proximal and distal tubes are from about 0.008inches to about 0.051 inches. Optionally, the pull wire is generallycylindrical and further wherein the diameter of the pull wire is betweenabout 0.008 inches and about 0.051 inches. Optionally, the first heightis between about 2 millimeters and about 8 millimeters.

The present disclosure also provides a method of removing an object froman interior lumen of an animal, said lumen having an interior wallforming said lumen, the method comprising the steps of:

-   a) providing the system described above;-   b) positioning the system in said lumen, said basket located in said    catheter in said collapsed state;-   c) deploying said distal basket from said distal end of said    catheter so that said proximal crowns of said proximal cells are    distal to said obstruction;-   d) allowing said distal basket to move to said relaxed state;-   e) moving said distal basket over said obstruction; and-   f) removing said distal basket and said obstruction from said lumen.

Optionally, said interior lumen is an intracranial artery and saidobstruction is a blood clot.

In other embodiments, the system includes:

-   a pull wire having a proximal end, a distal end and a pull wire    longitudinal axis extending from said proximal end to said distal    end;-   a proximal basket attached to said pull wire, said proximal basket    comprising an interior, an exterior, a proximal end, a distal end, a    proximal basket length extending from said proximal basket proximal    end to said distal end, a proximal basket height perpendicular to    said proximal basket length and said pull wire longitudinal axis, a    proximal tube located at said proximal end of the proximal basket,    said proximal tube comprising a hollow interior, a plurality of rows    of cells, each cell defined by a plurality of memory metal strips,    each cell comprising a proximal crown located at the proximal end of    the proximal cell and pointing generally in the proximal direction    and a distal crown located at the distal end of the proximal cell    and pointing generally in the distal direction,-   a distal basket attached to said pull wire, said distal basket    comprising an interior, an exterior, a proximal end, a distal end, a    distal basket length extending from said distal basket proximal end    to said distal end, a distal basket height perpendicular to said    distal basket length and said pull wire longitudinal axis, a distal    tube located at said distal end of the distal basket, said distal    tube comprising a distal tube aperture, a plurality of rows of    cells, each cell defined by a plurality of memory metal strips, each    cell comprising a proximal crown located at the proximal end of the    proximal cell and pointing generally in the proximal direction and a    distal crown located at the distal end of the proximal cell and    pointing generally in the distal direction,-   a plurality of tether memory metal strips, each tether memory metal    strip having a proximal end attached to a distal crown of a cell    located at the distal end of said proximal basket and a distal end    attached to a proximal crown of a cell located at the proximal end    of said distal basket,-   said proximal basket having-   a relaxed state wherein said proximal basket has a first height and-   a collapsed state wherein said proximal basket has a second height,    said second height less than said first height and said second width    less than said first width,-   said distal basket having-   a relaxed state wherein said distal basket has a first height and a    first width and-   a collapsed state wherein said distal basket has a second height and    a second width, said second height less than said first height, and-   a catheter having an interior, a proximal end leading to said    interior and a distal end leading to said interior, said catheter    comprised of a biocompatible material and configured to envelope    said distal and said proximal basket when said baskets are in said    collapsed state.

Optionally, said tether memory metal strips rotate about said pull wirelongitudinal axis such that a distal end of a tether memory metal stripis located between about 90 and about 270 degrees relative to saidproximal end of the same proximal tether memory metal strip.

In still further embodiments, the present disclosure provides a methodof manufacturing a medical device comprising:

a) providing a first tube comprised of a memory metal, the first tubehaving a first tube exterior, a first tube hollow interior, a first tubewall separating the first tube exterior from the first tube hollowinterior, a first tube proximal end comprising a first tube proximalaperture leading to the first tube hollow interior, a first tube distalend comprising a first tube distal aperture leading to the first tubehollow interior, a first tube length extending from the first tubeproximal end to the first tube distal end, a first tube perimetergenerally perpendicular to the first tube length, a first tube outerwidth generally perpendicular to the first tube length, and a middleportion between the first tube proximal end and the first tube distalend, the middle portion having a middle portion width generally parallelto the first tube outer width;

b) using a cutting instrument to cut portions of the first tube wall andform i) a matrix in the middle portion comprising a plurality of middleportion memory metal strips forming a plurality of cells; ii) aplurality of proximal memory metal strips, each proximal memory metalstrip having a proximal memory metal strip proximal end, a proximalmemory metal strip distal end connected to a cell of the middle portionand a proximal memory metal strip length extending from the proximalmemory metal strip proximal end to the proximal memory metal stripdistal end; iii) a plurality of proximal longitudinal perforations, theplurality of longitudinal perforations non-contiguous and located in aproximal segment of each respective proximal memory metal strip andextending generally along the first tube length, a plurality of proximallongitudinal gaps, each proximal longitudinal gap separating adjacentproximal longitudinal perforations and formed from uncut portions of thefirst tube wall, the plurality of proximal longitudinal gaps andplurality of proximal longitudinal perforations forming first and secondlongitudinal sides of each proximal segment, wherein a proximallongitudinal tab is located between and connects adjacent proximalsegments of adjacent proximal memory metal strips and is formed fromuncut portions of the first tube wall;

c) shape setting at least the middle portion to expand the width of themiddle portion;

d) after step c), polishing the first tube, wherein said polishingexpands the plurality of proximal longitudinal perforations so that theproximal longitudinal gaps become smaller and adjacent proximallongitudinal perforations approach each other;

e) tearing along the plurality of proximal longitudinal perforations tofree the proximal segments from the proximal longitudinal tabs and eachother;

f) joining the free proximal segments of the proximal memory metalstrips to form a medical device comprised of the joined proximalsegments of the proximal memory metal strips, and the shape set middleportion, the medical device having a medical device length extending atleast from the shape set middle portion to at least the joined proximalsegments of the proximal memory metal strips and a medical device widthgenerally perpendicular to the medical device length; and

g) inserting the medical device into a catheter comprising a catheterinterior having an interior width, an open catheter proximal end leadingto the catheter interior, an open catheter distal end leading to thecatheter interior, the catheter comprised of a biocompatible material,wherein the medical device comprises a collapsed state wherein themedical device width is less than the catheter interior width and anexpanded state wherein the medical device width is greater than thecatheter interior width, wherein the catheter is configured to envelopethe medical device when the medical device is in the collapsed state,and further wherein the catheter interior width is less than the firsttube outer width.

Optionally, the first tube is generally cylindrical in shape andcomprises a first tube outer diameter forming said first tube width,wherein said catheter is generally cylindrical in shape and comprises acatheter inner diameter forming said catheter interior width, whereinsaid step of joining the free proximal segments of the proximal memorymetal strips comprises attaching the free proximal segments of theproximal memory metal strips to a second tube, the second tube generallycylindrical in shape and comprising a second tube outer diameter,wherein said second tube outer diameter is less than said first tubeouter diameter and less than said catheter inner diameter. Optionally,the second tube comprises a coil system, said coil system comprising apull wire and at least one coil surrounding the pull wire. Optionally,step f) comprises attaching the proximal segments of the proximal memorymetal strips to the coil system between the pull wire and the at leastone coil. Optionally, said coil system comprises a proximal coil and adistal coil separated by a longitudinal space and said step f) comprisesattaching the proximal segments of the proximal memory metal strips tothe proximal and distal coils by a solder at the longitudinal space.Optionally, said pull wire comprises a pull wire proximal end, a pullwire distal end, a pull wire length extending from the pull wireproximal end to the pull wire distal end and a pull wire width generallyperpendicular to the pull wire length and further wherein said pull wirewidth comprises a segment in which the pull wire width tapers along thepull wire length. Optionally, step b) further comprises using thecutting instrument to form iv) a plurality of distal memory metalstrips, each distal memory metal strip having a distal memory metalstrip distal end, a distal memory metal strip proximal end connected toa cell of the middle portion and a distal memory metal strip lengthextending from the distal memory metal strip proximal end to the distalmemory metal strip distal end; v) a plurality of distal longitudinalperforations, the distal longitudinal perforations non-contiguous andlocated in a distal segment of each respective distal memory metal stripand extending generally along the first tube length, a plurality ofdistal longitudinal gaps, each distal longitudinal gap separatingadjacent distal longitudinal perforations and formed from uncut portionsof the first tube wall, the plurality of distal longitudinal gaps andplurality of distal longitudinal perforations forming first and secondlongitudinal sides of each distal segment, and a plurality of distallongitudinal tabs connecting adjacent distal segments of adjacent distalmemory metal strips and formed from uncut portions of the first tubewall; wherein said polishing expands the plurality of distallongitudinal perforations so that the distal longitudinal gaps becomesmaller and adjacent distal longitudinal perforations approach eachother; wherein step e) further comprises tearing along the plurality ofdistal longitudinal perforations to free the distal segments from thedistal longitudinal tabs and each other; wherein step f) furthercomprises joining the free distal segments of the distal memory metalstrips to form a medical device comprised of the joined proximalsegments of the proximal memory metal strips, the joined distal segmentsof the distal memory metal strips, and the shape set middle portion, themedical device having a medical device length extending at least fromthe joined distal segments of the distal memory metal strips to at leastthe joined proximal segments of the proximal memory metal strips and amedical device width generally perpendicular to the medical devicelength. Optionally, said step of joining the free distal segments of thedistal memory metal strips comprises attaching the free distal segmentsof the distal memory metal strips to a third tube, the third tubegenerally cylindrical in shape and comprising a third tube outerdiameter, wherein said third tube outer diameter is less than said firsttube outer diameter and less than said catheter inner diameter.Optionally, step b) further comprises using the cutting instrument tocut portions of the first tube wall and form a plurality of proximalperimeter perforations, the plurality of proximal perimeter perforationslocated adjacent to the first tube proximal end, spaced about theperimeter of the first tube and a plurality proximal perimeter gaps,each proximal perimeter gap separating adjacent proximal perimeterperforations and formed from uncut portions of the first tube wall, theplurality of proximal perimeter perforations and the proximal perimetergaps defining a proximal end tab located at the proximal end of thefirst tube, wherein the proximal end of each proximal memory metal stripis connected to the proximal end tab, wherein the proximal end tabconnects the proximal ends of the proximal memory metal strips, whereinsaid polishing expands the plurality of proximal perimeter perforationsso that the proximal perimeter gaps become smaller and adjacent proximalperimeter perforations approach each other and step e) further comprisestearing along the plurality of proximal perimeter perforations to freethe proximal ends of the proximal memory metal strips from the proximalend tab and each other. Optionally, the first tube is generallycylindrical in shape and comprises a first tube outer diameter and afirst tube circumference and further wherein the proximal perimeterperforations are arranged in a generally straight line about thecircumference of the first tube and the distal perimeter perforationsare arranged in a generally straight line about the circumference of thefirst tube. Optionally step b) further comprises using the cuttinginstrument to cut portions of the first tube wall and form a pluralityof distal perimeter perforations, the plurality of distal perimeterperforations located adjacent to the first tube distal end, spaced aboutthe perimeter of the first tube and a plurality of distal perimetergaps, each distal perimeter gap separating adjacent distal perimeterperforations and formed from uncut portions of the first tube wall, theplurality of distal perimeter perforations and the distal perimeter gapsdefining a distal end tab located at the distal end of the first tube,wherein the distal end of each distal memory metal strip is connected tothe distal end tab, wherein the distal end tab connects the distal endsof the distal memory metal strips, wherein said polishing expands theplurality of distal perimeter perforations so that the distal perimetergaps become smaller and adjacent distal perimeter perforations approacheach other and step e) further comprises tearing along the plurality ofdistal perimeter perforations to free the distal ends of the distalmemory metal strips from the distal end tab and each other. Optionally,the method further comprises connecting the joined proximal memory metalstrips to a pull wire. Optionally, said proximal memory metal stripscomprise a width generally perpendicular to the first tube length andfurther wherein said widths of said proximal memory metal strips taperas the proximal memory metal strips approach the proximal end of thefirst tube. Optionally, after step d), the plurality of proximallongitudinal perforations become nearly continuous. Optionally, saidpolishing the first tube comprises electropolishing the first tube.Optionally, said middle portion memory metal strips of said shape setmiddle portion form a basket comprising a basket interior and a basketlength generally parallel to the medical device length. Optionally, inthe expanded state, the basket is configured to capture a foreign objectin an interior lumen of an animal Optionally, in the expanded state, themedical device width is less than the medical device length. Optionally,said catheter interior width is at least 0.001 inches less than saidfirst tube outer width. Optionally, after step e), the proximal memorymetal strips comprise a smooth periphery. Optionally, in step b), eachdistal end of each proximal memory metal strip is connected to aproximal crown of a cell of the middle portion.

In still further embodiments, the present disclosure provides a methodof manufacturing a medical device comprising:

a) providing a first tube comprised of a memory metal, the first tubegenerally cylindrical in shape having a first tube exterior, a firsttube hollow interior, a first tube wall separating the first tubeexterior from the first tube hollow interior, a first tube proximal endcomprising a first tube proximal aperture leading to the first tubehollow interior, a first tube distal end comprising a first tube distalaperture leading to the first tube hollow interior, a first tube lengthextending from the first tube proximal end to the first tube distal end,a first tube circumference generally perpendicular to the first tubelength, a first tube outer diameter generally perpendicular to the firsttube length, and a middle portion between the first tube proximal endand the first tube distal end, the middle portion having a middleportion width generally parallel to the first tube width;

b) using a cutting instrument to cut portions of the first tube wall andform a matrix in the middle portion comprising a plurality of middleportion memory metal strips and a plurality of perforations locatedadjacent to the proximal and distal ends of the first tube, wherein theplurality of perforations are non-contiguous and each adjacentperforation is separated by a gap formed of uncut portions of the firsttube wall;

c) shape setting at least the middle portion to expand the width of themiddle portion;

d) after step c), expanding the plurality of perforations so thatadjacent perforations approach each other;

e) tearing along the plurality of perforations to remove at least aportion of the proximal end and at least a portion of the distal end ofthe first tube and form a medical device comprised of a plurality ofproximal memory metal strips, a plurality of distal memory metal strips,and the shape set middle portion, the medical device having a lengthextending from at least the plurality of proximal memory metal strips toat least the plurality of distal memory metal strips and a medicaldevice width perpendicular to the medical device length;

f) joining the proximal memory metal strips by attaching the proximalmemory metal strips to a second tube, the second tube generallycylindrical in shape and comprising a second tube outer diameter andjoining the distal memory metal strips by attaching the distal memorymetal strips to a third tube, the third tube generally cylindrical inshape and comprising a third tube outer diameter; and

g) inserting the medical device into a catheter generally cylindrical inshape comprising a catheter interior having an inner diameter, an opencatheter proximal end leading to the catheter interior, an open catheterdistal end leading to the catheter interior, the catheter comprised of abiocompatible material, wherein the medical device comprises a collapsedstate wherein the medical device width is less than the catheter innerdiameter and an expanded state wherein the medical device width isgreater than the catheter inner diameter, wherein the catheter isconfigured to envelope the medical device when the medical device is inthe collapsed state, wherein the catheter inner diameter is less thanthe first tube outer diameter, and further wherein said second tubeouter diameter and said third tube outer diameter are less than saidfirst tube outer diameter and less than said catheter inner diameter.

In addition, the method may include one or more steps described with themethod of manufacturing described above, including without limitationthe method of attaching to a coil and a pull wire, the method of formingthe longitudinal and perimeter perforations and tabs described above,and the method of forming the basket.

In yet still further embodiments, the present disclosure provides amethod of manufacturing a medical device comprising:

a) providing a first tube comprised of a memory metal, the first tubehaving a first tube exterior, a first tube hollow interior, a first tubewall separating the first tube exterior from the first tube hollowinterior, a first tube proximal end comprising a first tube proximalaperture leading to the first tube hollow interior, a first tube distalend comprising a first tube distal aperture leading to the first tubehollow interior, a first tube length extending from the first tubeproximal end to the first tube distal end, a first tube perimetergenerally perpendicular to the first tube length, a first tube outerwidth generally perpendicular to the first tube length, and a middleportion between the first tube proximal end and the first tube distalend, the middle portion having a middle portion width generally parallelto the first tube width;

b) using a cutting instrument to cut portions of the first tube wall andform i) a matrix in the middle portion comprising a plurality of middleportion memory metal strips forming a plurality of cells; ii) aplurality of proximal memory metal strips, each proximal memory metalstrip having a proximal memory metal strip proximal end, a proximalmemory metal strip distal end connected to a cell of the middle portionand a proximal memory metal strip length extending from the proximalmemory metal strip proximal end to the proximal memory metal stripdistal end; iii) a plurality of proximal longitudinal perforations, theplurality of longitudinal perforations non-contiguous and located in aproximal segment of each respective proximal memory metal strip andextending generally along the first tube length, a plurality of proximallongitudinal gaps, each proximal longitudinal gap separating adjacentproximal longitudinal perforations and formed from uncut portions of thefirst tube wall, the plurality of proximal longitudinal gaps andplurality of proximal longitudinal perforations forming first and secondlongitudinal sides of each proximal segment, wherein a proximallongitudinal tab is located between and connects adjacent proximalsegments of proximal memory metal strips and is formed from uncutportions of the first tube wall;

c) shape setting at least the middle portion to expand the width of themiddle portion;

d) after step c), polishing the first tube, wherein said polishingexpands the plurality of proximal longitudinal perforations so that theproximal longitudinal gaps become smaller and adjacent proximallongitudinal perforations approach each other;

e) tearing along the plurality of proximal longitudinal perforations tofree the proximal segments from the proximal longitudinal tabs and eachother;

f) joining the free proximal segments of the proximal memory metalstrips by attaching the proximal memory metal strips to a second tubehaving a second tube outer width to form a medical device comprised ofthe joined proximal segments of the proximal memory metal strips, andthe shape set middle portion, the medical device having a medical devicelength extending at least from the shape set middle portion to at leastthe joined proximal segments of the proximal memory metal strips and amedical device width generally perpendicular to the medical devicelength; and

g) inserting the medical device into a catheter comprising a catheterinterior having an interior width, an open catheter proximal end leadingto the catheter interior, an open catheter distal end leading to thecatheter interior, the catheter comprised of a biocompatible material,wherein the medical device comprises a collapsed state wherein themedical device width is less than the catheter interior width and anexpanded state wherein the medical device width is greater than thecatheter interior width, wherein the catheter is configured to envelopethe medical device when the medical device is in the collapsed state,and further wherein the second tube outer width is less than the firsttube outer width.

In addition, the method may include one or more steps described with themethod of manufacturing described above, including without limitationthe method of attaching to a coil and a pull wire, the method of formingthe perimeter perforations and tabs described above, and the shape setmiddle portion may be a basket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a side, elevation view of a memory metal tube priorto being cut by a laser.

FIG. 1B illustrates a side, elevation view of the memory metal tube ofFIG. 1A being cut by a laser.

FIG. 2A illustrates a side, elevation view of the memory metal tube ofFIG. 1B after being cut by a laser; in FIG. 2A, the tube is shown asthough it were flat for purposes of illustrating the cut pattern only.

FIG. 2B illustrates a side, perspective view of the memory metal tube ofFIG. 1B after being cut by a laser.

FIG. 2C illustrates another side, perspective view of the memory metaltube of FIG. 1B after being cut by a laser; in FIG. 2C, the tube isrotated as compared to FIG. 2B.

FIGS. 3A-3H illustrate a method of manufacturing a distal body of oneembodiment of the present invention using the laser cut memory metaltube of FIGS. 1 and 2; in FIGS. 3A-3H, the basket portion of the distalbody is not shown for simplicity of illustration.

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate the welding steps of the method of manufacturingshown in FIG. 3; in FIGS. 4A-4D, the basket portion of the distal bodyis not shown for simplicity of illustration.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate different locations that connector strips maybe welded to the proximal memory metal strips.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side, elevation view of a catheter and the distalbody of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side, elevation view of a deployable system of oneembodiment of the present invention being used to capture a blood clot;in FIG. 8, the basket portion of the distal body is not shown forsimplicity of illustration.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side, elevation view of a claw of one embodiment ofthe present invention being closed by a claw actuator tube; in FIG. 9,the basket portion of the distal body is not shown for simplicity ofillustration.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side, elevation view of a deployable system of oneembodiment of the present invention being used to capture a blood clot;in FIG. 10, the basket portion of the distal body is not shown forsimplicity of illustration.

FIG. 11 illustrates a first, perspective view of a distal body of analternate embodiment of the present invention; the distal body is inwhat is referred to herein as “Orientation 1”.

FIG. 12A illustrates a second, perspective view of the distal body ofFIG. 11; the distal body is in what is referred to herein as“Orientation 2”.

FIG. 12B illustrates a proximal, elevation view of the proximal stripsof the distal body of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 illustrates a close-up, perspective view of two unattacheddistal-pointing crowns of the distal body of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14A illustrates a native memory metal tube used to manufacture thedistal body of FIG. 11; the native tube has been rolled out flat and thelines in the tube indicate where the tube has been cut by a laser.

FIG. 14B illustrates a first, perspective view of the distal bodymanufactured from the native tube of FIG. 14A; the distal body is inOrientation 1.

FIG. 14C illustrates a second, perspective view of the distal bodymanufactured from the native tube of FIG. 14A; the distal body is inOrientation 2.

FIGS. 15A-G illustrate stepwise use of the distal body of FIG. 11 inretrieving a soft clot; the distal body is in Orientation 1.

FIGS. 16A-H illustrate stepwise use of the distal body of FIG. 11 inretrieving a hard clot; the distal body is in Orientation 1.

FIGS. 17A-G illustrate stepwise use of the distal body of FIG. 11 inretrieving a soft clot; the distal body is in Orientation 2.

FIGS. 18A-G illustrate stepwise use of the distal body of FIG. 11 inretrieving a hard clot; the distal body is in Orientation 2.

FIGS. 19A-N illustrate stepwise use of the distal body of FIG. 11 inretrieving a deformable, cohesive adherent clot; the distal body is inOrientation 2.

FIG. 20A illustrates a view of a native memory metal tube used tomanufacture a distal body of yet another embodiment of the presentinvention; the native tube has been rolled out flat, the lines in thetube indicate where the tube has been cut by a laser, and the distalbody of FIGS. 20A-20C is slightly shorter than the distal body of FIGS.11-19 and is meant for use in tortuous blood vessels.

FIG. 20B illustrates a first, perspective view of the distal bodymanufactured from the native tube of FIG. 20A; the distal body is inOrientation 1.

FIG. 20C illustrates a second, perspective view of the distal bodymanufactured from the native tube of FIG. 20A; the distal body is inOrientation 2.

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of a clot retrieval system thatincludes the distal body of FIGS. 20B-C being delivered in a bloodvessel using a delivery catheter.

FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of the distal body of FIG. 21, afterdeployment of the distal body and retraction of the delivery catheter,in a blood vessel.

FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of the distal body of FIG. 21; ascompared to FIG. 22, the distal body has been moved proximally andtension has been exerted on the pull wire.

FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of a suction catheter that is beingdelivered over the pull wire of the system of FIG. 21.

FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of the distal end of the suctioncatheter of FIG. 24 being pushed into a clot; a syringe is sucking theclot to the suction catheter because the user has pulled back on thelever of the syringe.

FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of the distal end of the suctioncatheter of FIG. 24 being pushed into a clot; in FIG. 26, the user haslocked the syringe lever at the desired volume.

FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of the system of FIG. 24; in FIG. 27,the suction catheter has partially sucked the distal body and clot intothe suction catheter.

FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of the system of FIG. 24; in FIG. 28,the suction catheter has completely sucked the distal body and clot intothe suction catheter.

FIG. 29 shows a perspective view of the system of FIG. 24; the system,and captured clot, is being removed proximally from the vessel.

FIG. 30A illustrates a front, perspective view of a system of anotherembodiment of the present invention that includes a delivery catheter, acoaxial tube slideable along a pull wire, and proximal strips thatextend from the distal end of the coaxial tube and are attached to adistal basket; in FIG. 30A, the distal basket is in the relaxed state.

FIG. 30B illustrates a front, perspective view of the system of FIG.30A; in FIG. 30B, the system is in a partially collapsed state due todistal movement of the catheter.

FIG. 30C illustrates a proximal, elevation view of the proximal stripsof the system of FIG. 30A.

FIG. 30D illustrates a proximal, elevation view of an alternateembodiment of FIGS. 30A and 30B that includes two proximal strips.

FIG. 30E illustrates a proximal, elevation view of an alternateembodiment of FIGS. 30A and 30B that includes four proximal strips.

FIG. 31A illustrates a front, perspective view of the system of FIG.30A; in FIG. 31A, the system is between the proximal collapsed state andthe relaxed state.

FIG. 31B illustrates a front, perspective view of the system of FIG.30A; in FIG. 31A, the system is in the distal collapsed state.

FIG. 32A-F illustrates a front, perspective view of the system of FIG.30A and stepwise use of the system in retrieving a clot in a humanintracranial artery.

FIG. 33 illustrates a front, perspective view of an alternate embodimentof the system of FIGS. 31-32 in which the proximal ends of the proximalstrips are attached to the distal end of the coaxial sheath.

FIG. 34 illustrates a front, perspective view of an alternate embodimentof the system in which the coaxial sheath is a braided cathetercomprised of a plurality of braids and further wherein the distalsegment of each braid forms a proximal strip.

FIG. 35A-C illustrate a front, perspective view of an embodiment of thesystem of FIGS. 30-34 in which the proximal strips cover the proximaltip of the proximal crowns; in particular, FIG. 35A is an exploded view,FIG. 35B shows the proximal strip attached to the proximal crown via aloop and an eyelet, and FIG. 35C shows how the proximal strips bendbackwards to cover the proximal tips when the distal body is in thedistal collapsed state.

FIGS. 36A-36D illustrate a side, perspective view of a stepwise sequenceof making an embodiment of the basket system of the present invention.

FIGS. 37A-37B illustrate a side, perspective view of stepwise deploymentand use of a basket system with proximal tether memory metal strips thatare about the same length as the rest of the basket (as measured fromthe proximal-most crown to the distal tube).

FIGS. 38A-38E illustrate a side, perspective view of stepwise deploymentand use of the basket system of FIGS. 37A-37B in a blood vessel toretrieve a clot.

FIG. 39A illustrates a side, perspective view of the basket system ofFIGS. 37A and 37B; as shown, all proximal crowns of the proximal cellsare attached to a proximal tether memory metal strip.

FIG. 39B illustrates an alternative embodiment in which one proximalcrown of a proximal cell is not attached to a proximal tether memorymetal strip.

FIG. 40 illustrates a side, perspective view of a basket system withrelatively thick proximal tether memory metal strips; in this FIG. 40,as shown, the proximal tether memory metal strips are thicker than thememory metal strips forming the proximal-most crown.

FIG. 41 illustrates a side, perspective view of a basket system with aproximal basket and a distal basket.

FIG. 42 illustrates a side, perspective view of a basket system with aproximal basket and a distal basket in which the proximal tether memorymetal strips rotate 180 degrees about both the longitudinal axis of theproximal tether memory metal strips and about the longitudinal axis ofthe pull wire.

FIGS. 43A-43B illustrate a side, perspective view of a basket system inwhich the proximal tether memory metal strips rotate 90 degrees aboutboth the longitudinal axis of the proximal tether memory metal stripsand about the longitudinal axis of the pull wire.

FIG. 43C illustrates a front, elevation view of the basket system ofFIGS. 43A-43B.

FIGS. 43D and 43E illustrate a front, elevation view and a side,perspective view of a basket system in which the proximal tether memorymetal strips rotate 180 degrees about both the longitudinal axis of theproximal tether memory metal strips and about the longitudinal axis ofthe pull wire.

FIGS. 44A-44E illustrate a side, perspective view of stepwise deploymentand use of a basket system with a proximal basket and a distal basket ina blood vessel to retrieve a clot.

FIGS. 45A-45D illustrate a side, perspective view of a stepwise sequenceof making an embodiment of the basket system of the present invention.

FIGS. 46A-46E illustrate a side, perspective view of stepwise deploymentand use of a basket system with relatively thin and short proximaltether memory metal strips.

FIGS. 47A-47H illustrate a side, perspective view of stepwise deploymentand use of the basket system of FIGS. 46A-46E in a blood vessel toretrieve a clot.

FIGS. 48A-48B illustrate a side, perspective view of stepwise deploymentand use of a basket system with relatively thick and short proximaltether memory metal strips.

FIGS. 49A-49C illustrate a side, perspective view of stepwise deploymentand use of a basket system with three relatively thin and short proximaltether memory metal strips; the system is deployed in a blood vessel toretrieve a clot.

FIG. 50A illustrates a side, perspective view of a basket system withrelatively thin and short proximal tether memory metal strips; in FIG.50A, all proximal crowns of the proximal cells are attached to aproximal tether memory metal strip.

FIG. 50B illustrates a side, perspective view of a basket system withrelatively thin and short proximal tether memory metal strips; in FIG.50B, one proximal crowns of a proximal cell is not attached to aproximal tether memory metal strip.

FIG. 50C illustrates a front view of a basket system with two proximaltether memory metal strips.

FIG. 50D illustrates a front view of a basket system with three proximaltether memory metal strips.

FIG. 50E illustrates a front view of a basket system with four proximaltether memory metal strips.

FIG. 51 illustrates a side, perspective view of a basket system withrelatively thin and short proximal tether memory metal strips; in thisFIG. 51, as shown, the proximal tether memory metal strips are not asthick as the memory metal strips forming the proximal-most crown;further, the thickness of the memory metal strips gradually decreasesfrom the proximal-most crown along the basket length to the distalhub/junction.

FIG. 52 illustrates a side, perspective view of a basket system withrelatively thin, short proximal tether memory metal strips.

FIGS. 53A-53C illustrate a side, perspective view of stepwise deploymentand use of a basket system with relatively long and thin proximal tethermemory metal strips; the system is used in a blood vessel to retrieve aclot.

FIGS. 54A-54C illustrate a side, perspective view of a basket systemwith a proximal basket connected to a distal basket by proximal tethermemory metal strips.

FIGS. 55A-55B illustrate a side, perspective view of a basket system inwhich the proximal tether memory metal strips rotate 90 degrees aboutboth the longitudinal axis of the proximal tether memory metal stripsand about the longitudinal axis of the pull wire.

FIG. 55C illustrates a front, elevation view of the basket system ofFIGS. 55A-55B.

FIGS. 55D and 55E illustrate a front, elevation view and a side,perspective view of a basket system in which the proximal tether memorymetal strips rotate 180 degrees about both the longitudinal axis of theproximal tether memory metal strips and about the longitudinal axis ofthe pull wire.

FIG. 56 illustrates a side, perspective view of a basket system withrelatively thick and short proximal tether memory metal strips.

FIG. 57A-E illustrates a side perspective view of deployment a basketsystem in which the proximal tether memory metal strips are thicker thanthe memory metal strips forming the proximal cells of the distal basket.

FIGS. 58A-58B illustrates a side perspective view of a basket systemwith relatively long cords, instead of proximal tether memory metalstrips.

FIGS. 59A-59B illustrates a side perspective view of a basket systemwith relatively short cords, instead of proximal tether memory metalstrips.

FIGS. 60A-F illustrate a perspective view of deployment of the basketsystem of FIGS. 59A-59B.

FIG. 61 illustrates a side perspective view of a basket system withcords and proximal tether memory metal strips.

FIGS. 62A-62C illustrate a perspective view of deployment of the basketsystem of FIG. 61.

FIG. 63 illustrates a right side perspective view of a mandrel used toprepare unattached distal-pointing crowns that curve radially toward thebasket interior.

FIG. 64 illustrates a right side elevation view of the mandrel of FIG.63.

FIG. 65 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a distal body; in thedistal body of FIG. 65, the proximal strips converge and are soldered orwelded at the proximal hub/junction and the basket strips located at thedistal end of the basket converge and are soldered or welded at thedistal hub/junction.

FIG. 66A illustrates a side, elevation view of a memory metal tube.

FIG. 66B illustrates a side, elevation view of the memory metal tube ofFIG. 66A being cut by a laser.

FIG. 67 illustrates a side, elevation view of the memory metal tube ofFIG. 66B after being cut by a laser; in FIG. 67, the tube is shown asthough it were flat for purposes of illustrating the cut pattern only.

FIG. 68 illustrates a side, elevation view of the circled area labelled68 in FIG. 67 (namely, the distal portion of the cut memory metal tubeof FIG. 67—the distal portion includes the distal ends of the distalmemory metal strips, the distal end tabs and the distal longitudinaltabs); in FIG. 68, the tube is shown as though it were flat for purposesof illustrating the cut pattern only.

FIG. 69 illustrates a side, elevation view of the circled area labelled69 in FIG. 67 (namely, the proximal portion of the cut memory metal tubeof FIG. 67—the proximal portion includes the proximal ends of theproximal memory metal strips, the proximal end tabs and the proximaldistal longitudinal tabs); in FIG. 69, the tube is shown as though itwere flat for purposes of illustrating the cut pattern only.

FIG. 70 illustrates a side, elevation view of the circled area labelled70 in FIG. 69 (namely, a close-up of the proximal portion of the cutmemory metal tube of FIG. 69); in FIG. 70, the tube is shown as thoughit were flat for purposes of illustrating the cut pattern only.

FIG. 71 illustrates a side, elevation view of the close-up of theproximal portion of the cut memory metal tube of FIG. 70 afterelectropolishing; in FIG. 71, the tube is shown as though it were flatfor purposes of illustrating the cut pattern only.

FIG. 72 illustrates a side, elevation view of the close-up of theproximal portion of the cut memory metal tube of FIG. 70 afterelectropolishing and tearing along the peforations; in FIG. 72, the tubeis shown as though it were flat for purposes of illustrating the cutpattern only.

FIG. 73 illustrates a side, elevation view of the close-up of theproximal portion of the cut memory metal tube of FIG. 69.

FIG. 74 illustrates a side, elevation view of the proximal portion ofthe cut memory metal tube of FIG. 73 after electropolishing and aftertearing along the perforations to remove the proximal end tab and theproximal longitudinal tabs from the proximal segments of the proximalmemory metal strips.

FIG. 75 illustrates another side elevation view of the proximal portionof the cut memory metal tube of FIG. 73 after electropolishing and aftertearing along the perforations to remove the proximal end tab and theproximal longitudinal tabs from the proximal segments of the proximalmemory metal strips; as compared to FIG. 74, the proximal end of the cutmemory metal tube has been rotated 90 degrees in FIG. 75.

FIG. 76A illustrates a side elevation view of a pull wire.

FIG. 76B illustrates a side elevation view of a coil system thatincludes a core and a coil wrapped around the core.

FIG. 76C illustrates a side elevation of the pull wire of FIG. 76A beingsoldered to the coil system of FIG. 76B.

FIG. 76D illustrates a close-up, side elevation view of the area denotedby the dashed rectangle in FIG. 76C (namely, the distal end of the pullwire and the coil system of FIG. 76C).

FIG. 76E, FIG. 76F and FIG. 76G illustrate stepwise, side elevationviews of the proximal ends of the proximal memory metal strips of FIG.75 being soldered to the coil system of FIG. 76D; as shown in FIG. 76Fand FIG. 76G, the proximal memory strips are placed between the core andthe coil.

FIG. 77 illustrates a side, elevation view of the coil system of FIG.76G being placed through a distal end of a catheter.

FIG. 78 illustrates a side, elevation view of a tube (referred to hereinas a third tube) being used to re-join distal ends of distal memorymetal strips; the distal ends of the distal memory metal strips wereinitially joined by a distal end tab and distal longitudinal tabs.

FIG. 79 illustrates a side elevation view of the proximal portion of thecut memory metal tube and is similar to FIG. 69; the line is merelydrawn in to show how each proximal memory metal strips tapers adjacentto the proximal end of the respective proximal memory metal strips (andthe line is not present in the device).

FIG. 80 illustrate side views of a middle portion cut from the memorymetal tube of FIG. 66B and expanded using the mandrel of FIG. 64; inFIG. 80, the middle portion is in the form of a basket with offsetenlarged areas/drop zones adjacent to crowns pointing generally in thedistal direction; FIG. 80 also includes proximal memory metal stripshaving a free proximal end and a distal end connected to a proximal cellof the basket and distal memory metal strips having a free distal endand a proximal end connected to a distal cell of the basket.

FIG. 81 illustrates a medical device that includes the catheter of FIG.77, the pull wire of FIG. 77, the coil system, which is attached to theproximal memory metal strips as shown in FIG. 77, the basket of FIG. 80and the re-joined distal ends of the distal memory metal strips of FIG.78.

FIG. 82 illustrates a side, elevation view of proximal memory metalstrips and longitudinal perforations at the proximal end of a cut memorymetal tube of another embodiment of the present invention; in FIG. 82,only longitudinal perforations are present, and as with FIG. 79, theline is merely drawn in to show how each proximal memory metal stripstapers adjacent to the proximal end of the respective proximal memorymetal strips (and the line is not present in the device).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1-10, the present disclosure provides adeployable system, generally designated by the numeral 10, for removingan obstruction such as a blood clot 12 or other object from a bloodvessel 14 or other interior lumen of an animal. In addition to a bloodclot 12, the obstruction may be, for example, extruded coils duringaneurysm treatment, intravascular embolic material such as onyx or otherobstructions requiring mechanical intravascular removal from smalldistal vessels. In the drawings, not all reference numbers are includedin each drawing for the sake of clarity.

Referring further to FIGS. 1-10, the deployable system 10 includes apull wire 16 that has a proximal end (not shown) and a distal end 20.Optionally, the diameter of the pull wire is between about 0.008 inchesand about 0.051 inches. Preferably, the pull wire 16 is comprised of abiocompatible metallic material.

The system 10 further includes a distal body 22, which is attached tothe pull wire 16. The distal body 22 has a proximal end 24, a distal end26, an interior 28, and an exterior 30. The distal body 22 has acollapsed state, wherein the distal body 22 has a first height and widthand is configured to fit into a catheter 50 (see FIG. 10A), and arelaxed state wherein the distal body 22 has a different height 32 andwidth and is configured to expand to about the height and width of ahuman blood vessel 14 when the distal body 22 is deployed from thecatheter 50 (see FIGS. 10B-G). The distal body 22 further includes aproximal hub/junction 74 and a distal hub/junction 76 that is locateddistal relative to the proximal hub/junction 74. In some embodiments,the distal body 22 includes a plurality of strips 40 comprised of amemory metal (e.g., a memory metal alloy such as nitinol) that form theproximal end 24 of the distal body 22. Optionally, the proximal memorymetal strips 40 each have a distal end 44 and a proximal end 42 thatforms an openable and closeable claw 46. Optionally, the proximal memorymetal strips 40 are attached to the proximal hub/junction 74 throughconnector memory metal strips 48. In such embodiments, the proximalhub/junction 74 may be slideable along at least a segment of the pullwire 16, in contrast to the distal hub/junction 76, which is optionallyfixed to the pull wire 16 and not slideable along the pull wire 16.Moving the proximal hub/junction 74 distally and closer to the distalhub/junction 76 (i.e., shortening the distance 88 between the proximalhub/junction 74 and distal hub/junction 76 by moving the proximalhub/junction 74 distally while keeping the distal hub/junction 76stationary) exerts tension on the connector memory metal strips 48 and,in turn, the proximal memory metal strips 40. This tension, in turn,causes the proximal ends 42 of the proximal memory metal strips 40 tomove radially toward each other and the pull wire 16. As the proximalends 42 of the proximal memory metal strips 40 move radially toward eachother and the pull wire 16, the claw 46 (formed by the proximal memorymetal strips 40) is brought from the open position to at least apartially closed position, which in turn, separates the obstruction 12from the wall of the human lumen 14 and captures the obstruction 12. SeeFIG. 3H, FIG. 8, FIG. 9F, and FIGS. 10F and 10G. Conversely, preferably,movement of the proximal hub/junction 74 proximally and away from thedistal hub/junction 76 (i.e., increasing the distance 88 between thehubs/junctions 74 and 76) releases the tension in the proximal memorymetal strips 40, which in turn, causes the proximal ends 42 of theproximal memory metal strips 40 to move away from each other and thepull wire 16, opening the claw 46. The claw 46 and proximal hub/junction74 form several functions. First, as described, closing of the claw 46captures the obstruction 12. Second, closing the claw 46 retracts theclaw 46 from the wall of the lumen 14 so that the claw 46 does notscrape against (and damage) the lumen wall while capturing theobstruction 12. Third, closing the claw 46 reduces the height and widthof the distal body 22, which allows the distal body 22 to be re-sheathedin the catheter 50, which may be desired, for example, if the operatorseeks to re-deploy the distal body 22 in another location in the body(which may be the case if the operator originally deploys the distalbody 22 in the wrong location in the lumen 14). For purposes of thepresent invention, “closing the claw” embraces both partially closingthe claw 46 (where the proximal ends 42 of the proximal memory metalstrips 40 do not contact the pull wire 16) and fully closing the claw 46(where the proximal ends 42 contact the pull wire 16).

The claw 46 may be comprised of any number of proximal memory metalstrips 40. Preferably, however, between 2 and 4 proximal memory metalstrips 40 comprise the claw 46 (it being understood that the connectorstrips 48, if present, merely serve to tether the claw 46 to theproximal hub/junction 74). Preferably, the proximal memory metal strips40 have a length of between about 10 and about 60 millimeters. Theproximal memory metal strips 40 can be thought of as arms of the claw46.

In some embodiments, the connector strips 48 are integral with theproximal hub/junction 74 (i.e., formed from the same piece of memorymetal). In other embodiments, the proximal hub/junction 74 may be weldedor soldered to the connector strips 48. Optionally, in the relaxedstate, the proximal memory metal strips 42 are distributed substantiallyevenly about a perimeter of the distal body 22.

Optionally, the distal body 22 includes a lead wire 52 extendingdistally from the distal body 22. Optionally, the lead wire 52 extendsdistally from the distal hub/junction 76. If present, the lead wire 52may be used to facilitate movement of the system 10 in the lumen 14.

Optionally, the distal body 22 includes a basket 54 distal to theproximal memory metal strips 40, the basket 54 comprised of a pluralityof memory metal strips 56 distal relative to the proximal memory metalstrips 40. The distal memory metal strips 56 may, for example, form abasket 54 with a plurality of mesh openings 58. Optionally, the size ofthe mesh openings 58 in the basket 54 when the distal body 22 is in itsrelaxed state is less (preferably significantly less) than the diameterof an average-sized ischemic blood clot 12 so that the blood clot 12does not escape from the distal basket 54 after being captured by thedistal body 22. Optionally, the basket 54 has an open proximal end 60and a substantially closed distal end 62, which is formed by distal tube76. Optionally, the distal and proximal hubs/junctions 74 and 76 and thedistal basket 54 are comprised of a nitinol having the same materialcomposition. Optionally, the size of the mesh openings 58 decreases fromthe proximal end 60 of the basket 54 to the distal end 62. The distalbasket 54 is best seen in FIG. 2 and can be comprised of a differentnumber of cell patterns. The distal basket 54 is not shown in FIGS. 3-10for ease of illustrating the other components in the system 10.

Optionally, the proximal hub/junction 74 and the distal hub/junction 76are cylindrical tubes comprising substantially circular apertures thatspan the length of the hubs/junctions 74 and 76 and the hubs/junctions74 and 76 have approximately the same inner diameter 72 and the sameouter diameter 70. Preferably, the inner diameter 72 is at leastslightly larger than the diameter of the pull wire 16 so that the pullwire 16 can slide through the proximal hub/junction 74. In someembodiments, the outer diameters 70 of the proximal and distalhubs/junctions 74 and 76 may be from about 0.011 inches to about 0.054inches and the inner diameters 72 of the proximal and distalhubs/junctions 74 and 76 may be from about 0.008 inches to about 0.051inches.

Optionally, the distal body 22 further comprises an x-ray marker 64 thatis more visible under x-ray as compared to the proximal memory metalstrips 40 when the distal body 22 is located in a cranial blood vesselinside the body of a human and the x-ray is taken from outside thehuman's body. If the connector strips 48 are welded or soldered to theproximal memory metal strips 40, the x-ray markers 64 may be, forexample, located at the welding or soldering site. In some cases, theincreased thickness at the welding or soldering site may in of itselfcomprise the x-ray marker 64. Preferably, the x-ray marker 64 iscomprised of a radiopaque material. Some examples of radiopaquematerials can include, but are not limited to, gold, platinum,palladium, tantalum, tungsten alloy, polymer material loaded withradiopaque filler, and the like. Preferably, the proximal memory metalstrips 40 are comprised of nitinol and the x-ray marker 64 is comprisedof a material having a density greater than the nitinol.

A catheter 50 with an open proximal end (not shown) and an open distalend 66 initially envelopes the system 10. As used herein, the term“catheter” generally refers to any suitable tube through which thesystem 10 can be deployed. Preferably, the catheter 50 is sterile andcomprised of a biocompatible material (i.e., a material that does notirritate the human body during the course of a 45 minute operation thatinvolves using the system 10 to remove a clot 12 from an intracranialblood vessel 14). The catheter 50 can be any suitable shape, includingbut not limited to generally cylindrical. Preferably, the catheter 50 isa microcatheter. For purposes of the present invention, when it is saidthat the catheter 50 envelopes the system 10, it will be understood thatthe catheter 50 envelopes at least one component of the system 10(preferably, the distal body 22, the lead wire 52, and the pull wire16). In some embodiments, the catheter 50 is about 2.5 French indiameter. Optionally, the catheter 50 is delivered to the region of thelumen 14 that has the obstruction 12 as follows: a guide wire isdelivered to the obstruction region past the obstruction 12; thecatheter 50 is delivered over the guide wire; the guide wire is removed;and the system 10 is delivered with its pull wire 16 and lead wire 52through the catheter 50. Optionally, the pull wire 16 is used to pushthe system 10 through the catheter 50 as well as to retrieve the distalbody 22 after capturing the obstruction 14 as described below. Thesystem 10 may utilize a plurality of catheters 50, such as, for example,a wider catheter that travels to the brain and a very flexible, smallerdiameter microcatheter that is delivered from the first catheter andtravels through the small arteries of the brain. Preferably, thecatheter 50 is comprised of a biocompatible, polymeric material (i.e.,one or more polymeric materials such as silicone, PVC, latex rubber orbraided nylon).

Optionally, in the relaxed, opened-claw state, the distal body 22 oroptionally just the distal basket 54 has a tapered shape (e.g.,substantially conical or bullet in shape) so that the distal body 22 orjust the distal basket 54 tapers from the distal body 22 or the distalbasket's 54 proximal end to the distal end.

The proximal end of the system 10 is shown at the left end of FIGS. 1and 3-10 and the distal end of the system 10 is shown at the right endof FIGS. 1 and 3-10 because a principal use of the system 10 is toremove a blood clot 12 from a human intracranial artery 14, in whichcase the system 10 generally will enter the artery 14 at its proximalend by the surgeon entering the patient's body near the groin andpushing the catheter 50 towards the brain. The diameter of humanarteries 14 generally decrease from their proximal end to their distalend. However, when used in other types of lumens, the distal body 22 maybe located proximally relative to the catheter 50 as the term proximallyand distally are used in that lumen.

The surgeon may deploy the distal body 22 by, for example, moving thecatheter 50 proximally so as to unsheathe the distal body 22 or bypushing the distal body 22 out of the catheter 50.

Use of the system 10 will now be described to remove a blood clot 12from an intracranial artery 14 of a human ischemic stroke patient,however, it will be appreciated that the system 10 may be used to removeother objects from other interior lumens.

A catheter 50, which contains the collapsed distal body 22 is positionedin the lumen 14 distal to the clot 12. See FIG. 10A.

The distal body 22 is deployed from the catheter 50 and the height andwidth of the distal body 22 expand to about the height and width of theblood vessel 14. See FIG. 10B.

The catheter 50 is pulled proximally and a claw-actuator tube 90 isdeployed into the blood vessel 14. See FIG. 10C.

The distal body 22 is moved proximally so that the clot 12 is located inthe interior 28 of the distal body 22. See FIGS. 10D and 10E.

The claw-actuator tube 90 is moved distally, which pushes the proximalhub/junction 74 distally so that the distance 88 between the proximalhub/junction 74 and the distal hub/junction 76 (which is fixed to thepull wire 16 and kept stationary) decreases. Distal movement of theproximal hub/junction 74 exerts tension on the connector and proximalmemory metal strips 40 and 48, which in turn, closes the claw 46. SeeFIG. 10F. (The claw actuator tube 90 should float on the pull wire16—i.e., have an aperture extending the tube's length that has adiameter larger than the diameter of the pull wire 16—and the apertureof the claw actuator tube 90 should be smaller than the diameter of theproximal hub/junction 74 so that the claw actuator tube 90 pushes theproximal hub/junction 74).

The system 10 is withdrawn proximally and removed from the body. SeeFIG. 10G.

To test the efficacy of the system 10, a distal body 22 with a distalbasket 54, proximal and distal hubs/junctions 74 and 76, and a claw 46comprised of three proximal memory metal strips 42 was tested in a flowmodel that included a tube and a moist cotton ball located in the tube.The cotton ball was used to simulate a blood clot. The system 10 wasdeployed distal to the cotton ball. The claw 46 was closed by moving theproximal hub/junction 74 distally to capture the cotton ball. The system10 and cotton ball were withdrawn proximally in the tube.

In some embodiments, the distal body 22 is prepared by a process thatincludes one or more of the following steps, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4

-   a) providing a single tube 68 comprised of a memory metal such as    nitinol, the single tube 68 having an exterior, a substantially    hollow interior, a wall separating the exterior from the    substantially hollow interior, an open proximal end 74, an open    distal end 76, a middle portion 78 between the open proximal end 74    and the open distal end 76 (see FIG. 1A);-   b) cutting the wall of the middle portion 78 with a laser 80 (see    FIG. 1B);-   c) removing the pieces of the middle portion 78 cut by the laser 80    to form a proximal tube 74, a distal tube 76 and a middle portion 78    comprising a plurality of memory metal strips 82 attached to the    proximal tube 74;-   d) altering the shape of the middle portion 78 using a mandrel and    allowing the middle portion 78 to expand relative to the distal tube    76 and proximal tube 74 to form the distal basket 54;-   e) quenching the middle portion 78 at room temperature;-   f) removing the mandrel from the middle portion 78 (see FIGS. 2 and    3A);-   g) mechanically or chemically electropolishing the middle portion 78    to remove oxides;-   h) cutting the memory metal strips 82 to form a first segment 84    comprising the proximal tube 74 and a proximal segment of the memory    metal strips 82 and a second segment 86 comprising the distal tube    76 and a distal segment of the memory metal strips 82 (see FIG. 3B);    and-   i) joining the proximal segments to the distal segments such that    the distal segments form the proximal end 24 of the distal body 22,    such that the proximal tube 74 is located inside the interior 28 of    the distal body 22, and such the proximal tube 74 is located distal    relative to the distal body proximal end 24 (see FIGS. 3C-3E).

In some embodiments, the method further includes placing the pull wire16 through the proximal tube 74 so that the proximal tube 74 isslideable along at least a segment of the pull wire 16.

In some embodiments, the method further includes attaching the pull wire16 to the distal tube 76 so that the distal tube 76 is not slideablealong the pull wire 16 but instead the distal tube 76 moves with thepull wire 16.

In some embodiments, after step i, the proximal end 24 of the distalbody 22 forms a claw 46 comprised of between 2 to 4 proximal memorymetal strips 40, the claw proximal memory metal strips 40 configured tomove towards each other and the pull wire 16 by moving the proximal tube74 distally and toward the distal tube 76 (i.e., decreasing the distance88 between the tubes 74 and 76) and the claw memory metal strips 40configured to move away from each other and away from the pull wire(i.e., increasing the distance 88 between the tubes 74 and 76) by movingthe proximal tube 76 proximally and away from the distal tube 76 (asdescribed previously).

In some embodiments, the middle portion 78 is expanded by heating themandrel and the middle portion 78 by, for example, placing the mandreland the middle portion 78 in a fluidized sand bath at about 500° C. forabout 3 to about 7 minutes. As the middle portion 78 is heated, theheating causes the crystalline structure of the memory metal tube 68 torealign. Preferably, the mandrel is tapered (e.g., substantially conicalor bullet in shape) so that the distal basket 54 formed from the middleportion 78 tapers from the proximal end 60 to the distal end 62.Preferably, the proximal and distal ends of the tube 74 and 76 are notshape set by the mandrel and are not cut by the laser 80 so that theproximal and distal ends 74 and 76 do not change in shape and onlyslightly expand in size under heating and return to the size of thenative tube 68 after the heat is removed. Preferably, the laser cuts areprogrammed via a computer. To ensure that the laser cuts only onesurface of the tube wall at the time (and not the surface directlyopposite the desired cutting surface), the laser 80 is preferablyfocused between the inner and outer diameter of the desired cuttingsurface and a coolant is passed through the memory metal tube 68 so thatthe laser 80 cools before reaching the surface directly opposite thedesired cutting surface.

The portions of the wall not cut by the laser 80 create the distalbasket 53, proximal and distal tubes 74 and 76, and memory metal strips40, 48 and 56, as described.

Preferably, the memory metal selected for the native tube 68 has a heatof transformation below average human body temperature (37° C.) so thatthe distal body 22 has sufficient spring and flexibility afterdeployment from the catheter 50 in the human blood vessel 14.

In some embodiments, the native tube 68 (and hence the distal andproximal tubes 74 and 76) have an outer diameter of less than about 4French, e.g., a diameter of about 1 to about 4 French. In someembodiments, the diameter of the pull wire 16 is between about 0.008inches and about 0.051, as noted above, and in such embodiments, thediameter of the pull wire 16 may be approximately equal to the innerdiameter 72 of the native nitinol tube 68.

Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed thatmanufacturing the distal body 22 from a single memory metal tube 68provides ease of manufacturing and safety from mechanical failure andprovides tensile strength necessary for the system 10 to remove hardthrombus 12 and other obstructions.

The Embodiments of FIGS. 11-29

FIGS. 11-29 illustrate an alternate embodiment 200 that includes one ormore of the following additional features, as described below: twistingproximal strips/tethers 252, unattached/free distal-pointing crowns 258that optionally curve inward and have x-ray markers 244, and enlargedopenings/drop zones 262 in the basket 246 immediately distal to theunattached, distal-pointing crowns 258 that allow the obstruction orother object 270 to enter the distal basket interior 222.

More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 11-29, the system 200 may include apull wire 202 having a proximal end 204 and a distal end 206, asdescribed above, a distal body 216 attached to the pull wire 202, thedistal body 216 comprising an interior 222, a proximal end 218, a distalend 220, a distal body length 226 extending from the proximal end 218 tothe distal end 220, a distal body height 224, a proximal hub/junction228 (preferably in the form of a tube and which has a proximal end 230and a distal end 232) forming the proximal end 218 of the distal body216, a basket 246 comprised of a plurality of cells/openings 248 formedby a plurality of basket strips 291 that preferably are comprised of amemory metal, optionally a distal hub/junction 236 that forms the distalend 220 of the basket 246 (preferably in the form of a tube that has aproximal end 238 and a distal end 240), and a plurality of proximalstrips 252 (preferably the proximal strips 252 are comprised of a memorymetal), each proximal strip 252 having a proximal end 254 attached tothe proximal hub/junction/tube 228, and a distal end 256 attached to acell 248 (more specifically a proximal-pointing crown of a cell 248located at the proximal end of the basket 246), the basket comprising abasket interior 292, the distal body 216 having a relaxed state whereinthe distal body 216 has a first height and width, a collapsed statewherein the distal body 216 has a second height and width, the secondheight less than the first height, the second width less than the firstwidth; and a delivery catheter 208 for delivering the distal body 216,as described above, having an interior 210, a proximal end 212 leadingto the interior 210 and a distal end 214 leading to the interior 210,the delivery catheter 208 comprised of a biocompatible (preferablypolymeric) material and configured to envelope the distal body 216 whenthe distal body 216 is in the collapsed state. Optionally, the basketinterior 292 is substantially hollow—i.e., unlike U.S. PatentPublication No. 2013/0345739, the basket interior 292 does not containan inner elongate body. Optionally, instead of a distal hub/junction236, the basket 246 includes an open distal end. Optionally, at leasttwo cells 250 of the basket 246 comprise a proximal crown 260 pointinggenerally in the proximal direction and a distal crown 258 pointinggenerally in the distal direction, and the distal crowns 258 of the atleast two cells 250 are not attached to another cell 248 of the basket246. In other words, the distal crowns 258 of at least two cells 250 arefree floating and are not attached to any strip except for the stripsforming part of the at least two cells 250; such distal crowns 258 arereferred to below as unattached, distal-pointing crowns 258. Preferably,the distal tips of the unattached, distal-pointing crowns 258 terminateat an x-ray marker 244. (Cells labeled with the numerals 250, 250A,250B, 250C, and 250D refer to the at least two cells that include aproximal crown 260 pointing generally in the proximal direction and anunattached, distal-pointing crown 258, cells labeled with the numerals262, 262A, 262B, 262C, and 262D refer to the enlarged cells/drop zonesadjacent to (preferably immediately distal to) an unattached,distal-pointing crown 258, and cells designated with numeral 248 referto generally the cells of the basket 246). (When it is said that theenlarged cells/drop zones 262 are preferably immediately distal to anunattached, distal-pointing crown 258, it will be understood that atleast a portion of an enlarged cell/drop zone 262 is immediately distalto an unattached, distal-pointing crown 258, and that a portion of theenlarged cell/drop zone 262 may be proximal to an unattached,distal-pointing crown 258, as shown in FIGS. 11-12 due to the shape ofthe enlarged cells/drop zones 262). It will be understood that partnumber 250 refers generally to one or more of the at least two cells,whereas part numbers 250A, 250B, 250C, and 250D refer to a specific oneof the at least two cells. Similarly, it will be understood that partnumber 262 refers generally to one or more of the enlarged cells/dropzones, whereas part numbers 262A, 262B, 262C, and 262D refer to aspecific one of the enlarged cells/drop zones. Similarly, it will beunderstood that part number 258 refers generally to one or more of theunattached, distal-pointing crowns, whereas part numbers 258A, 258B,258C, and 258D refer to a specific one of the unattached,distal-pointing crowns.

Optionally, at least two of the unattached, distal-pointing crowns 258are located approximately 180 degrees (e.g., about 150 to about 180degrees) relative to each other and approximately the same distance fromthe proximal hub/junction/tube 228, as best seen in FIG. 12A.Optionally, the basket 246 comprises a first pair of unattached,distal-pointing crowns 258A and 258B, each of the first pair ofunattached, distal-pointing crowns 258A and 258B is locatedapproximately the same distance from the proximal hub/junction/tube 228and approximately 180 degrees relative to each other, and the basket 246further comprises a second pair of unattached, distal-pointing crowns258C and 258D located distally relative to, and approximately 90 degrees(e.g., between about 60 and about 90 degrees) relative to, the firstpair of unattached, distal-pointing crowns 258A and 258B. Optionally,the second pair of unattached, distal-pointing crowns 258C and 258D formcells 250C and 250D that are adjacent to, but offset from, the cells250A and 250B formed by the first pair of unattached, distal-pointingcrowns 258A and 258B. (In other words, optionally, the center of cell250A is about 90 degrees relative to the centers of cells 250C and 250Dand optionally the center of cell 250B is also about 90 degrees relativeto the centers of cells 250C and 250D). Optionally, at least one of (andpreferably all) the unattached, distal-pointing crowns 258A, 258B, 258Cor 258D comprise an x-ray marker 244 that is more visible under x-ray ascompared to the basket strips 291 when the distal body 216 is located ina cranial blood vessel 266 inside the body of a human and the x-ray istaken from outside the human's body. Preferably, the x-ray marker 244 isa radiopaque material. Some examples of radiopaque materials caninclude, but are not limited to, gold, platinum, palladium, tantalum,tungsten alloy, polymer material loaded with radiopaque filler, and thelike. Preferably, the basket strips 291 are comprised of nitinol and thex-ray marker 244 is comprised of a material having a density greaterthan the nitinol. In some embodiments, the x-ray markers 244 comprise aheavy metal welded or soldered to the unattached, distal-pointing crowns258. Optionally, the unattached, distal-pointing crowns 258 curve subtlytowards the interior 222 of the distal basket 246, which decreases thelikelihood that the unattached, distal-pointing crowns 258 will rubagainst and damage the vessel wall 268. Optionally, the basket 246comprises at least two cells proximal to the at least two cells 250 thatinclude the unattached, distal-pointing crowns 258. Optionally, theunattached, distal-pointing distal crowns 258 are located about at least5 mm (e.g., about 5 to about 30 mm) from the proximal hub/junction/tube228. Optionally, the unattached, distal-pointing crowns 258 are locatedat least about 5 mm from the distal hub/junction/tube 236. Optionally,the unattached, distal-pointing crowns 258 of the at least two cells 250also each form part (namely a portion of the proximal boundary) of anenlarged cell 262 (which is the entry point of hard thrombus 270B intothe basket interior 222) and further wherein the surface area of theenlarged cells 262 in the relaxed state is greater than the surface areaof the other cells of the basket 246 in the relaxed state. Optionally,the unattached, distal-pointing crowns 258 serve several functions: 1)they form flex points of the basket 246, which makes it easier for thesystem 200 to navigate the curves of the blood vessels 266 of thebrains; 2) through the use of x-ray markers 244 on the unattached,distal-pointing crowns 258, they allow the operator to locate theenlarged cells 262 of the basket 246 that form the point at which hardthrombuses 270B enter the basket 246; and 3) they allow the operator toratchet or force the object 270 into the basket 246 by moving theunattached, distal-pointing crowns 258 proximally and distally relativeto the object 270. (As explained below, the numeral 270 refers toclots/thrombuses and other objects generally, and 270A refers to a softclot, 270B refers to a hard clot and 270C refers to a deformable,cohesive, adherent clot). Optionally, the proximal end 254 of a proximalstrip 252 is located about 65-180 degrees (preferably approximately 180degrees) relative to the distal end 256 of the same proximal strip 252,as best seen in FIG. 12B. In other words, preferably the proximal end254 of a first proximal strip 252 is attached to the 12 o'clock positionon the proximal tube 228 and the distal end 256 of the first proximalstrip 252 (which terminates at a proximal cell 248 of the basket 246) islocated at the 6 o'clock position (i.e., 180 degrees from the startposition), and the proximal end 254 of a second proximal strip 252 isattached to the 6 o'clock position on the proximal tube 228 and thedistal end 254 (which terminates at a cell 248 of the basket 246) of thesecond proximal strip 252 is located at the 12 o'clock position (i.e.,180 degrees from the start position). This twisting feature serves twofunctions: 1) it allows the proximal strips 252 to surround the object270; and 2) it allows the manufacturer to insert a mandrel into thebasket 246 during the shape-setting procedure. Optionally, the pull wire202 is attached to the proximal tube 228 (e.g., by gluing, welding,soldering or the like). Preferably, the pull wire 202 does not extendthrough the distal basket interior 222. Optionally, the proximal strips252 are integral with the distal end 232 of the proximal tube 228 andthe entire distal body 216 is created from a single tube 264 of a memorymetal. Optionally, the proximal crowns 260 of the at least two cells 250that include the unattached, distal pointing-crowns 258 are eachattached to another cell 248 of the basket 246. In other words,preferably the basket 246 does not have any free-floatingproximal-pointing crowns, as free-floating proximal-pointing crownscould damage the vessel 266 when the distal body 216 is pulledproximally. Optionally, the system 200 further comprises a lead wire 286extending distally from the distal tube 236, the lead wire 286 having alength of from about 3 mm to about 10 mm. Optionally, the distalhub/junction/tube 236, the proximal hub/junction/tube 228, and thebasket 246 are comprised of a nitinol having the same materialcomposition. In other words, as with the prior embodiment of FIGS. 1-10,optionally the entire distal body 216 is manufactured from a single tubeof nitinol 264. Optionally, the proximal and distal hubs/junctions/tubes228 and 236 comprise an x-ray marker 244 that is more visible underx-ray as compared to the basket strips 291 when the distal body 216 islocated in a cranial blood vessel 266 inside the body of a human and thex-ray is taken from outside the human's body. Preferably, the x-raymarker 244 is a radiopaque material. Some examples of radiopaquematerials can include, but are not limited to, gold, platinum,palladium, tantalum, tungsten alloy, polymer material loaded withradiopaque filler, and the like. Preferably, the basket strips 291 arecomprised of nitinol and the x-ray marker 244 is comprised of a materialhaving a density greater than the nitinol. In some embodiments, theproximal and distal hubs/junctions/tube interiors 234 and 242 maycomprise tantalum welded or otherwise attached to the interior 234 and242 of the proximal and distal hubs/junctions/tubes 228 and 236.Optionally, the proximal and the distal tubes 228 and 236 are generallycylindrical in shape and each has an outer diameter and an innerdiameter, the inner diameter forming apertures of the proximal anddistal tubes 228 and 236 and further wherein the outer diameters of theproximal and distal tubes 228 and 236 are substantially the same sizeand further wherein the inner diameters of the proximal and distal tubes228 and 236 are substantially the same size. Optionally, the outerdiameters of the proximal and distal tubes 228 and 236 are from about0.011 inches to about 0.054 inches, and further wherein the innerdiameters of the proximal and distal tubes 228 and 236 are from about0.008 inches to about 0.051 inches. Optionally, the pull wire 202 isgenerally cylindrical and further wherein the diameter of the pull wire202 is between about 0.008 inches and about 0.051 inches. Optionally,the distal body 216 has a length of between about 10 and about 60millimeters. Optionally, the first height 224 and first width 226 of thedistal body 216 are between about 2 millimeters and about 6 millimeters.

The present disclosure also provides a method of removing a clot orother object 270 from an interior lumen 266 of an animal, the methodcomprising the steps of:

a) providing the system 200 of FIGS. 11-29, wherein at least two cells250 of the basket 246 comprise a proximal crown 260 pointing generallyin the proximal direction and a distal crown 258 pointing generally inthe distal direction, and the distal crowns 258 of the at least twocells 250 are not attached to another cell 248 of the basket 246 (i.e.,free-floating), and further wherein at least one of the unattached,distal-pointing crowns 258 comprises an x-ray marker 244;

b) positioning the system 200 in the lumen 266;

c) deploying the distal body 216 from the distal end 214 of the deliverycatheter 208;

d) allowing the height and width 224 and 226 of the distal body 216 toincrease;

e) irradiating the x-ray marker 244 with x-ray radiation and

f) moving the object 270 into the distal basket interior 222.

Optionally, the object 270 enters the distal basket interior 222adjacent to (preferably adjacent and immediately distal to) at least oneof the unattached, distal-pointing crowns 258—i.e., in the enlargedcells/drop zones 262. In some embodiments, the distal body 216 isdeployed so that at least one (e.g., preferably the two proximal 258Aand 258B) of the unattached, distal-pointing crowns 258 is distal to theobject 270. As explained below, the x-ray markers 244 of the unattached,distal-pointing crowns 258 are used to locate the distal body 216relative to the clot or other object 270. It will be appreciated thatclots 270 can generally be located in blood vessels 266 by injecting acontrast dye, for example, into the blood vessel 266 proximal and distalto the believed area of obstruction and viewing on an x-ray where thefluid stops moving in the blood vessel 266. It will also appreciatedthat if the object 270 is not a blood clot but is a radio-opaque object,the object 270 may be viewed on an x-ray.

FIGS. 11 and 14B illustrate a first, perspective view of one embodimentof a distal body 216 with twisting proximal strips 252, unattacheddistal-pointing crowns 258 that subtly curve inward and have x-raymarkers 244, and enlarged openings/drop zones 262 in the basket 246 thatallow the obstruction or other object 270 to enter. In FIGS. 11 and 14B,the distal body 216 is in Orientation 1. (To prepare a basket 246 withunattached distal-pointing crowns 258 that curve inward toward thebasket interior 292, a mandrel 900 such as that illustrated in FIGS. 63and 64 may be used. The mandrel 900 includes a generally cylindricalbody 901 with tapered proximal and distal ends 902 and 903 that slopelike the ends of a pencil. The cylindrical body 901 includes two grooves904 that extend around the circumference of the cylindrical body 901.The grooves 904 include tapered portions 905 that slope towards thedistal end 903, which are designed to shape the unattacheddistal-pointing crowns 258. The grooves 904 are generally in the shapeof a truncated cone, as shown in FIGS. 63-64). The two proximal,unattached distal-pointing crowns 258A and 258B are locatedapproximately the same distance from the proximal hub/junction/tube 228and are oriented approximately 180 degrees relative to each other. Thetwo distal, unattached distal-pointing crowns 258C and 258D are locatedapproximately the same distance from the proximal hub/junction/tube 228as each other (and distal to the two proximal, unattacheddistal-pointing crowns 258A and 258B) and are oriented approximately 180degrees relative to each other and approximately 90 degrees to theproximal, unattached distal-pointing crowns 258A and 258B. The twoproximal enlarged openings/drop zones 262A and 262B distal to theproximal, unattached distal pointing crowns 258A and 258B are locatedapproximately the same distance from the proximal hub/junction/tube 228and the centers of the two proximal enlarged openings/drop zones 262Aand 262B are oriented approximately 180 degrees relative to each other.(As noted above, preferably, the proximal, unattached distal-pointingcrowns 258A and 258B form part of the proximal boundary of the proximal,enlarged cells/drop zones 262A and 262B, and the distal, unattacheddistal-pointing crowns 258C and 258C form part of the proximal boundaryof the distal, enlarged cells/drop zones 262C and 262D). The two distal,enlarged openings/drop zones 262C and 262D distal to the distal,unattached distal pointing crowns 258C and 258D are locatedapproximately the same distance from the proximal hub/junction/tube 228and the centers of the distal, enlarged openings/drop zones 262C and262D are oriented approximately 180 degrees relative to each other andapproximately 90 degrees relative to the proximal enlarged openings/dropzones 262A and 262B. FIGS. 12A and 14C illustrate a second view of thedistal body 216 of FIG. 11 (Orientation 2). FIG. 13 is a close-up viewof two unattached, distal-pointing crowns 262. The lines in FIG. 14 showhow a nitinol tube 264 is cut with a laser to create the distal body 216shown in FIG. 14B and FIG. 14C. It will be appreciated that FIG. 14B isa simplified view of the distal body 216 and orientation shown in FIG.11 and FIG. 14C is a simplified view of the distal body 216 andorientation shown in FIG. 12A.

As described below, FIGS. 15-19 describe how the distal body 216 is usedto retrieve, soft clots 270A, hard clots 270B, and deformable, cohesiveadhesive clots 270C in a human intracranial artery 266. (In FIGS. 15-19,the center of the artery 266 is denominated by the dashed line). Asexplained below, the distal body 216 has four rows of x-ray markersnamely, 1) a first row of one x-ray marker, which is located inside theproximal tube denominated by the numeral 228, 244; 2) a second row oftwo x-ray markers, which are located at the two proximal, unattacheddistal-pointing crowns (the two markers are oriented 180 degreesrelative to each other) denominated by the numerals 258A, 244 and 258B,244; 3) a third row of two x-ray markers, which are located at the twodistal, unattached distal-pointing crowns (these two markers areoriented 180 degrees relative to each other and 90 degrees relative tothe two proximal, unattached distal-pointing crowns) denominated by thenumerals 258C, 244 and 258D, 244; and 4) a fourth row of one x-raymarker, which is located inside the distal tube denominated by thenumeral 236, 244. (It will be appreciated that the first number in thesequence describes the position of the x-ray marker and the secondnumber, 244, represents the fact that the item is an x-ray marker). Asexplained below, upon deploying the distal body 216 so that the twoproximal, unattached distal-pointing crowns 258A, 244 and 258B, 244 areimmediately distal to the clot 270, the surgeon interventionalist (i.e.,operator of the distal body 216) detects the four rows of x-ray markersusing x-ray radiation from a first vantage point and from a secondvantage point that is offset from the first vantage point (e.g. 90degrees). Next, the surgeon moves the distal body 216 proximallyrelative to the clot 270 and takes additional x-rays from the first andsecond vantage points. As explained in greater detail below, the surgeonuses the x-ray markers of the proximal and distal, unattacheddistal-pointing crowns, namely 258A, 244; 258B, 244; 258C, 244; and258D, 244 (more specifically, the convergence or lack thereof of theproximal and distal, unattached distal-pointing crowns 258A, 244; 258B,244; 258C, 244; and 258D, 244 as shown on the x-ray) to determinewhether the clot 270 is located inside the distal body interior 222 orwhether the clot 270 is collapsing the distal body 216.

More specifically, FIGS. 15A-G illustrate stepwise use of the distalbody 216 in retrieving a soft clot 270A in a human intracranial artery266. (The distal body 216 in FIGS. 15A-15G is in Orientation 1). First,as always, the surgeon determines the location of the clot 270A in thevessel 266 using, for example, a contrast dye injected proximal anddistal to the clot 270A. Next, the delivery catheter 208, which isenveloping the distal body 216, is positioned in the blood vessel 266 sothat the two proximal, unattached distal-pointing crowns 258A and 258Bare immediately distal to the clot 270A. See FIG. 15B. The distal body216 is then deployed from the delivery catheter 208 by moving thecatheter 208 proximally. The soft clot 270A, which is unable to collapsethe distal body 216, then enters the distal body interior 222. See FIG.15C. However, at this time, the surgeon is unaware that the clot 270Ahas entered into the distal body interior 222. Thus, without moving thedistal body 216, the surgeon irradiates the four rows of x-ray markersat a first vantage point (i.e., from the front of the distal body 216 inthe orientation shown in FIGS. 15A-G; i.e., into the page). As shown inFIG. 15D, the first vantage point shows four rows of x-ray markers. Thefirst row is a single point, which represents the x-ray marker locatedin the proximal tube 228, 244; the proximal tube x-ray marker 228, 244always appears as a single point. The second row is a single point,which represents the x-ray marker located at the front, proximal,unattached distal-pointing crown 258B, 244; the reason that this secondrow of markers is a single point is that the rear x-ray marker of thesecond row 258A, 244 is hidden from view because it is directly behindthe front x-ray marker of the second row 258B, 244. The third row hastwo points, which represents the two x-ray markers located at thedistal, unattached distal-pointing crowns 258C, 244 and 258D, 244; thereason that this third row of markers has two points is that neithermarker in the third row 258C, 244 and 258D, 244 is hidden from view onthe x-ray at this angle—rather, one marker 258C, 244 is located abovethe other marker 258D, 244—and as shown in FIG. 15C, the distal body 216is not collapsed at the distal, unattached distal-pointing crowns 258C,244 and 258D, 244. The fourth row is a single point, which representsthe x-ray marker located in the distal tube 236, 244; the distal tubex-ray marker 236, 244 always appears as a single point. Without movingthe distal body 216, the surgeon then irradiates the four rows of x-raymarkers from a second vantage point 90 degrees offset from the firstvantage point (i.e., from the bottom of the distal body 216 in theorientation shown in FIG. 15A). As shown, the first row is, as always, asingle point, which represents the x-ray marker located in the proximaltube 228, 244. The second row has two points, which represents the twox-ray markers located at the proximal, unattached distal-pointing crown258A, 244 and 258B, 244; the reason that this second row of markersshows up as two points is that neither marker 258A, 244 and 258B, 244 inthe second row is hidden from view on the x-ray at this offsetangle—rather, one marker 258B, 244 is located above the other marker258A, 244—and the distal body 216 is not collapsed at the proximal,unattached distal-pointing crowns 258A, 244 and 258B, 244. The third rowis a single point, which represents the x-ray marker located at thebottom, distal, unattached distal-pointing crown 258D, 244; the reasonthat this third row of markers is a single point is that the top x-raymarker of the third row 258C, 244 is directly behind the bottom x-raymarker of the third row 258D, 244, and thus, hidden from view. Thefourth row is, as always, a single point, which represents the x-raymarker located in the distal tube 236, 244. The surgeon, thus, concludesthat neither the x-ray markers at the second row 258A, 244 and 258B, 244nor the x-ray markers at the third row 258C, 244 and 258D, 244 (i.e.,the x-ray markers at both the proximal and distal unattached distalpointing-crowns) have converged. As shown in FIG. 15E, the surgeon thenmoves the distal body 216 proximally relative to the soft clot 270A sothat the distal, unattached distal-pointing crowns 258C, 244 and 258D,244 are immediately distal to the clot 270A and then the surgeonirradiates the four rows of x-ray markers again from the first vantagepoint and the second vantage point. As shown in FIG. 15F, the resultsare the same as FIG. 15D. With the results from FIGS. 15D and 15F, thesurgeon concludes that neither x-ray markers at the second row 258A, 244and 258B, 244 nor the x-ray markers at the third row 258C, 244 and 258D,244 (i.e., the x-ray markers at both the proximal and distal unattacheddistal pointing-crowns) converged at either the original position of thedistal body 216 (FIGS. 15C and 15D) or the position after moving thedistal body 216 proximally (FIGS. 15E and 15F), and, thus, the distalbody 216 was expanded in the vessel 266 in both positions. Thus, thesurgeon concludes that the clot is a soft clot 270A that has enteredinto the distal body interior 222 and the surgeon removes the distalbody 216 and the soft clot 270A, captured by the distal body 216, bymoving the distal body 216 proximally out of the vessel 266, as shown inFIG. 15G.

FIGS. 16A-H illustrate stepwise use of the distal body 216 in retrievinga hard clot 270B in a human intracranial artery 266. (In FIGS. 16A-H,the distal body 216 is in Orientation 1). First, as always, the surgeondetermines the location of the clot 270B in the vessel 266 using, forexample, a contrast dye injected proximal and distal to the clot 270B.Next, the delivery catheter 208, which is enveloping the distal body216, is positioned in the blood vessel 266 so that the two proximal,unattached distal-pointing crowns 258A and 258B are immediately distalto the clot 270B. See FIG. 16B. The distal body 216 is then deployedfrom the delivery catheter 208 by moving the catheter 208 proximally.The hard clot 270B, which is located above the distal body 216,collapses the distal body 216, as shown in FIG. 16C. However, at thistime, the surgeon is unaware that the clot 270B has collapsed the distalbody 216. Thus, without moving the distal body 216, the surgeonirradiates the x-ray markers at a first vantage point (i.e., from thefront of the distal body 216; i.e., into the page). As shown in FIG.16D, the first vantage point shows four rows of x-ray markers. The firstrow is, as always, a single point, representing the x-ray marker locatedin the proximal tube—i.e., 228, 244. The second row is a single point,which represents the x-ray marker located at the front, proximal,unattached distal-pointing crown 258B, 244; the reason that this secondrow of markers is a single point is that the rear x-ray marker of thesecond row 258A, 244 is hidden from view because it is directly behindthe front x-ray marker of the second row 258B, 244. The third row hastwo points, which represents the two x-ray markers located at thedistal, unattached distal-pointing crowns 258C, 244 and 258D, 244; thereason that this third row of markers has two points is that neithermarker in the third row is hidden from view on the x-ray at thisangle—rather, one marker 258C, 244 is located above the other marker258D, 244—and as shown in FIG. 16C, the distal body 216 is not collapsedat the distal, unattached distal-pointing crowns 258C, 244 and 258D,244. The fourth row is, as always, a single point, representing thex-ray marker located in the distal tube 236, 244. Without moving thedistal body 216, the surgeon then irradiates the markers from a secondvantage point 90 degrees offset from the first vantage point (i.e., fromthe bottom of the distal body 216). As shown, the first row is, asalways, a single point, which represents the x-ray marker located in theproximal tube 228, 244. The second row has two points, which representsthe two x-ray markers located at the proximal, unattacheddistal-pointing crowns 258A, 244 and 258B, 244; the reason that thissecond row of markers shows up as two points is that neither marker inthe second row is hidden from view on the x-ray at this offsetangle—rather, one marker 258B, 244 is located above the other marker258A, 244—and although the distal body 216 is collapsed at the proximal,unattached distal-pointing crowns as shown in FIG. 16C, the second rowof x-ray markers have not converged because the clot 270B is on top ofthe second row of x-ray markers. The third row is a single point, whichrepresents the x-ray marker located at the bottom, distal, unattacheddistal-pointing crown 258D, 244; the reason that this third row ofmarkers is a single point is that the top x-ray marker of the third row258C, 244 is directly behind the bottom x-ray marker of the third row258D, 244, and thus, hidden from view. The fourth row is, as always, asingle point, which represents the x-ray marker located in the distaltube 236, 244. The surgeon, thus, concludes that neither the second row258A, 244 and 258B, 244 nor the third row 258C, 244 and 258D, 244 ofx-ray markers (i.e., the x-ray markers at both the proximal and distalunattached distal pointing-crowns) has converged. As shown in FIG. 16E,the surgeon then moves the distal body 216 proximally so that thedistal, unattached distal-pointing crowns 258C, 244 and 258D, 244 areimmediately distal to the clot 270B and the surgeon then irradiates thex-markers again from the first vantage point. As shown in FIG. 16F, thefirst row is, as always, a single point, representing the x-ray markerlocated in the proximal tube 228, 244. The second row is a single point,which represents the x-ray marker located at the front, proximal,unattached distal-pointing crown 258B, 244; the reason that this secondrow of markers is a single point is that the rear x-ray marker of thesecond row 258A, 244 is hidden from view because it is directly behindthe front x-ray marker of the second row 258B, 244. The third row hasonly one point because the clot 270B, which is on top of the third rowof x-ray markers 258C, 244 and 258D, 244 (i.e., the markers at thedistal, unattached distal-pointing crowns), has pushed the third row ofx-ray markers 258C, 244 and 258D, 244 together. The fourth row is, asalways, a single point, representing the x-ray marker located in thedistal tube 236, 244. Without moving the distal body 216, the surgeonthen irradiates the markers from a second vantage point 90 degreesoffset from the first vantage point (i.e., from the bottom of the distalbody). As shown, the first row is, as always, a single point, whichrepresents the x-ray marker located in the proximal tube 228, 244. Thesecond row has two points, which represents the two x-ray markerslocated at the proximal, unattached distal-pointing crown 258A, 244 and258B, 244; the reason that this second row of markers shows up as twopoints is that neither marker in the second row is hidden from view onthe x-ray at this offset angle and the distal body 216 is not collapsedat the proximal, unattached distal-pointing crowns 258A, 244 and 258B,244. The third row is a single point, which represents the x-ray markerlocated at the bottom, distal, unattached distal-pointing crown 258D,244; the reason that this third row of markers is a single point is thatthe bottom x-ray marker of the third row 258D, 244 is directly in frontof the top x-ray marker of the third row 258C, 244, and thus, the topx-ray marker of the third row 258C, 244 is hidden from view. The fourthrow is, as always, a single point, which represents the x-ray markerlocated in the distal tube 236, 244. Knowing that the distal, unattacheddistal-pointing crowns 258C, 244 and 258D, 244 have converged as shownin FIG. 16F, the surgeon moves the distal body 216 proximally and thehard clot 270B falls into the distal body interior 222 in the enlargedcell/drop zone 262C immediately distal to the top, distal, unattacheddistal-pointing crown 258C. See FIG. 16G. To confirm that the hard clot270B has entered the distal body interior 222, the surgeon takes x-raysfrom the first and second vantage points. The results are shown in FIG.16H. As compared to 16F, the front x-ray view of FIG. 16H shows that thedistal, unattached distal-pointing crowns 258C, 244 and 258D, 244 arenot converged, and, thus, the surgeon concludes that the hard clot 270Bhas entered the distal body interior 222. The surgeon then removes thedistal body 216 and the hard clot 270B, captured by the distal body 216,by moving the distal body 216 proximally out of the vessel 266.

FIGS. 17A-G illustrate stepwise use of the distal body 216 in retrievinga soft clot 270A in a human intracranial artery 266. (In FIGS. 17A-G,the distal body 216 is in Orientation 2). First, as always, the surgeondetermines the location of the clot 270A in the vessel 266 using, forexample, a contrast dye injected proximal and distal to the clot 270A.Next, the delivery catheter 208, which is enveloping the distal body216, is positioned in the blood vessel 266 so that the two proximal,unattached distal-pointing crowns 258A and 258B are immediately distalto the clot 270A. See FIG. 17B. The distal body 216 is then deployedfrom the catheter 208 by moving the catheter 208 proximally. The softclot 270A, which is unable to collapse the distal body 216, then entersthe distal body interior 222. See FIG. 17C. However, at this time, thesurgeon is unaware that the clot 270A has entered into the distal bodyinterior 222. Thus, without moving the distal body 216, the surgeonirradiates the x-ray markers at a first vantage point (i.e., from thefront of the distal body; into the page). As shown in FIG. 17D, thefirst vantage point shows four rows of x-ray markers. The first row is,as always, a single point, representing the x-ray marker located in theproximal tube 228, 244. The second row has two points, which representsthe two x-ray markers located at the proximal, unattacheddistal-pointing crowns 258A, 244 and 258B, 244; the reason that thissecond row of markers has two points is that neither marker in thesecond row is hidden from view on the x-ray at this angle—rather, onemarker 258A, 244 is located above the other marker 258B, 244—and asshown in FIG. 17C, the distal body 216 is not collapsed at the proximal,unattached distal-pointing crowns 258A, 244 and 258B, 244. The third rowhas a single point, which represents the x-ray marker located at thefront (in Orientation 2), distal, unattached distal-pointing crown 258C,244; the reason that this third row of markers is a single point is thatthe rear (in Orientation 2) x-ray marker 258D, 244 of the third row ishidden from view because it is directly behind the front x-ray marker258C, 244 of the third row. The fourth row is, as always, a singlepoint, representing the x-ray marker located in the distal tube 236,244. Without moving the distal body, the surgeon then irradiates themarkers from a second vantage point 90 degrees offset from the firstvantage point (i.e., from the bottom of the distal body, as shown inthis view). As shown, the first row is, as always, a single point, whichrepresents the x-ray marker located in the proximal tube 228, 244. Thesecond row is a single point, which represents the x-ray marker locatedat the bottom (in Orientation 2), proximal, unattached distal-pointingcrown 258B, 244; the reason that this second row of markers is a singlepoint is that the top (in Orientation 2) x-ray marker of the second row258A, 244 is directly behind the bottom x-ray marker of the second row258B, 244, and thus, hidden from view. The third row has two points,which represents the two x-ray markers located at the distal, unattacheddistal-pointing crowns 258C, 244 and 258D, 244; the reason that thisthird row of markers shows up as two points is that neither marker inthe third row is hidden from view on the x-ray at this offset angle andthe distal body 216 is not collapsed at the distal, unattacheddistal-pointing crowns 258C, 244 and 258D, 244. The fourth row is, asalways, a single point, which represents the x-ray marker located in thedistal tube 236, 244. The surgeon, thus, concludes that neither thesecond row 258A, 244 and 258B, 244 nor the third row of x-ray markers258C, 244 and 258D, 244 (i.e., the x-ray markers at both the proximaland distal unattached distal pointing-crowns) has converged. As shown inFIG. 17E, the surgeon then moves the distal body 216 proximally relativeto the clot 270A so that the distal, unattached distal-pointing crowns258C, 244 and 258D, 244 are immediately distal to the clot 270A and thenthe surgeon irradiates the x-markers again from the first vantage pointand the second vantage point. As shown in FIG. 17F, the results are thesame as FIG. 17D. With the results from FIGS. 17D and 17F, the surgeonconcludes that neither the second row 258A, 244 and 258B, 244 nor thethird row of x-ray markers 258C, 244 and 258D, 244 (i.e., the x-raymarkers at both the proximal and distal unattached distalpointing-crowns) were converged at either the original position of thedistal body 216 (FIGS. 17C and 17D) or the position after moving thedistal body 216 proximally (FIGS. 17E and 17F), and, thus, the distalbody 216 was expanded in the vessel 266 in both positions. Thus, thesurgeon concludes that the clot 270A is a soft clot 270A that hasentered into the distal body interior 222 and the surgeon removes thedistal body 216 and the soft clot 270A, captured by the distal body 216,by moving the distal body 216 proximally out of the vessel 266, as shownin FIG. 17G.

FIGS. 18A-G illustrate stepwise use of the distal body 216 in retrievinga hard clot 270B in a human intracranial artery 266. (In FIGS. 18A-G,the distal body 216 is in Orientation 2). (As described below, theprimary differences between FIGS. 18A-G and FIGS. 16A-G is that the clot270B enters the distal body interior 222 in an enlarged cell/drop zone262A immediately distal to one of the proximal, unattacheddistal-pointing crowns 258A in FIGS. 18A-G, as compared to FIGS. 16A-Gwhere the clot 270B enters the distal body interior 222 in an enlargedcell/drop zone 262C immediately distal to one of the distal, unattacheddistal-pointing crowns 258C). First, as always, the surgeon determinesthe location of the clot 270B in the vessel 266 using, for example, acontrast dye injected proximal and distal to the clot 270B. Next, thedelivery catheter 208, which is enveloping the distal body 216, ispositioned in the blood vessel 266 so that the two proximal, unattacheddistal-pointing crowns 258A and 258B are immediately distal to the clot270B. See FIG. 18B. The distal body 216 is then deployed from thecatheter 208 by moving the catheter 208 proximally. The hard clot 270B,which is located above the distal body 216, collapses the distal body216, as shown in FIG. 18C. However, at this time, the surgeon is unawarethat the clot 270B has collapsed the distal body 216. Thus, withoutmoving the distal body 216, the surgeon irradiates the x-ray markers ata first vantage point (i.e., from the front of the distal body inOrientation 2; into the page). As shown in FIG. 18D, the first vantagepoint shows four rows of x-ray markers. The first row is, as always, asingle point, representing the x-ray marker located in the proximal tube228, 244. The second row has only one point because the clot 270B, whichis on top of the second row of x-ray markers 258A, 244 and 258B, 244(i.e., the markers at the proximal, unattached distal-pointing crowns),has pushed them together. The third row has only one point, whichrepresents the x-ray marker located at the front (in Orientation 2),proximal, unattached distal-pointing crown 258C, 244; the reason thatthis third row of markers is a single point is that the rear (in thisview) x-ray marker of the third row 258D, 244 is hidden from viewbecause it is directly behind the front x-ray marker of the third row258C, 244. The fourth row is, as always, a single point, representingthe x-ray marker located in the distal tube 236, 244. Without moving thedistal body, the surgeon then irradiates the markers from a secondvantage point 90 degrees offset from the first vantage point (i.e., fromthe bottom of the distal body 216). As shown, the first row is, asalways, a single point, which represents the x-ray marker located in theproximal tube 228, 244. The second row has a single point because thetop (in Orientation 2) x-ray marker of the second row 258A, 244 islocated behind the bottom (in Orientation 2) x-ray marker 258B, 244 andthus, the top x-ray marker of the second row 258A, 244 is hidden fromview. The third row has two points, which represents the x-ray markerslocated at the distal, unattached distal-pointing crowns 258C, 244 and258D, 244; in this x-ray view neither of the x-ray markers of the thirdrow is hidden from view. The fourth row is, as always, a single point,which represents the x-ray marker located in the distal tube 236, 244.The surgeon, thus, concludes that the second row of x-ray markers 258A,244 and 258B, 244 (i.e., the x-ray markers at the proximal, unattacheddistal pointing-crowns) has converged. As shown in FIG. 18E, the surgeonthen moves the distal body 216 proximally so that the distal, unattacheddistal-pointing crowns 258C, 244 and 258D, 244 are immediately distal tothe clot 270B. Unbeknownst to the surgeon, the clot 270B enters thedistal body interior 222 immediately distal to the top (in Orientation2), proximal unattached distal-pointing crown 258A and the distal body216 is no longer collapsed. The surgeon then irradiates the x-markersagain from the first vantage point. As shown in FIG. 18F, the first rowis, as always, a single point, representing the x-ray marker located inthe proximal tube 228, 244. The second row has two x-ray markers becausethe distal body 216 is not collapsed and neither the top (in Orientation2) 258A, 244 nor the bottom 258B, 244 (in Orientation 2) x-ray marker ofthe second row (i.e., the marker at the proximal, unattacheddistal-pointing crowns) is hidden from view. The third row has only onepoint because the rear (in Orientation 2), distal unattacheddistal-pointing crown 258D, 244 is hidden behind the front (inOrientation 2), distal, unattached distal pointing-crown 258C, 244. Thefourth row is, as always, a single point, representing the x-ray markerlocated in the distal tube 236, 244. Without moving the distal body 216,the surgeon then irradiates the markers from a second vantage point 90degrees offset from the first vantage point (i.e., from the bottom ofthe distal body 216). As shown, the first row is, as always, a singlepoint, which represents the x-ray marker located in the proximal tube228, 244. The second row has a single point because the x-ray marker atthe top (in Orientation 2), proximal, unattached distal-pointing crown258A, 244 is hidden behind the bottom (in Orientation 2), proximal,unattached-distal pointing crown 258B, 244. The third row has two pointsbecause neither the front nor the rear x-ray markers at the distal,unattached, distal-pointing crowns 258C, 244 and 258D, 244 is hiddenfrom view. The fourth row is, as always, a single point, whichrepresents the x-ray marker located in the distal tube 236, 244. Basedon the information from FIGS. 18D and 18F, the surgeon concludes thatthe clot 270B has entered into the distal body interior 222. The surgeonthen removes the distal body 216 and the hard clot 270B, captured by thedistal body 216, by moving the distal body 216 proximally out of thevessel 266, as shown in FIG. 18G. Upon comparing FIGS. 16A-G and FIGS.18A-G it will be appreciated that the orientation of the enlargedcells/drop zone 262A-D relative to the orientation of a hard clot 270Bdetermine which enlarged cell/drop zone 262A, 262B, 262C, or 262D, thehard clot 270 enters the distal body interior 222 through. For example,in FIG. 16C, the hard clot 270B is located above the distal body 216,and thus, the hard clot 270B must enter through the enlarged cell/dropzone located at the top of the distal body, which in the orientation ofthe distal body shown in FIGS. 16A-G, is the enlarged cell/drop zone262C immediately distal to the top, distal, unattached, distal-pointingcrown 258C. In FIG. 18C, the hard clot 270B is again located above thedistal body and, thus, the hard clot 270B must enter through theenlarged cell/drop zone located at the top of the distal body. However,in FIG. 18C, the enlarged cell/drop zone located at the top of thedistal body 216, in the orientation of the distal body 216 shown inFIGS. 18A-G, is the enlarged cell/drop zone 262A immediately distal tothe top, proximal, unattached, distal-pointing crown 258A.

FIGS. 19A-N illustrate stepwise use of the distal body 216 in retrievinga deformable cohesive, adherent clot 270C—i.e., a clot that is difficultto break up and is tightly adhered to the vessel wall 268—in a humanintracranial artery 266. (In FIGS. 19A-N, the distal body 216 is inOrientation 2). First, as always, the surgeon determines the location ofthe clot 270C in the vessel 266 using, for example, a contrast dyeinjected proximal and distal to the clot 270C. Next, the deliverycatheter 208, which is enveloping the distal body 216, is positioned inthe blood vessel 266 so that the two proximal, unattacheddistal-pointing crowns 258A and 258B are immediately distal to the clot270C. See FIG. 19B. The distal body 216 is then deployed from thecatheter 208 by moving the catheter 208 proximally. The deformable,cohesive adherent clot 270C, which is located above the distal body 216,collapses the distal body 216, as shown in FIG. 19C. However, at thistime, the surgeon is unaware that the clot 270C has collapsed the distalbody 216. Thus, without moving the distal body 216, the surgeonirradiates the x-ray markers at a first vantage point (i.e., from thefront of the distal body; i.e., into the page). As shown in FIG. 19D,the first vantage point shows four rows of x-ray markers. The first rowis, as always, a single point, representing the x-ray marker located inthe proximal tube 228, 244. The second row has a single point,corresponding to the top (in Orientation 2) and bottom (in Orientation2), proximal, unattached distal-pointing crowns 258A, 244 and 258B, 244,which have converged because the clot 270C is collapsing the distal body216. The third row has a single point, which represents the x-ray markerlocated at the front (in Orientation 2), distal, unattacheddistal-pointing crown 258C, 244; the x-ray marker located at the rear,distal, unattached distal-pointing crown 258D, 244 is hidden from view.The fourth row is, as always, a single point, representing the x-raymarker located in the distal tube 236, 244. Without moving the distalbody 216, the surgeon then irradiates the markers from a second vantagepoint 90 degrees offset from the first vantage point (i.e., from thebottom of the distal body). As shown, the first row is, as always, asingle point, which represents the x-ray marker located in the proximaltube 228, 244. The second row has a single point, which corresponds tothe bottom (in Orientation 2), proximal, unattached distal-pointingcrown 258B, 244; the top (in Orientation 2), proximal, unattacheddistal-pointing crown 258A, 244 is located behind the bottom, proximal,unattached distal-pointing crown 258B, 244 and hidden from view. Thethird row has two points, which correspond to the front (in Orientation2) 258C, 244 and rear 258D, 244 (in Orientation 2), distal, unattacheddistal-pointing crowns, neither of which is blocked in this view. Thefourth row is, as always, a single point, which represents the x-raymarker located in the distal tube 236, 244. As shown in FIG. 19E, thesurgeon then moves the distal body 216 proximally (i.e., slightlywithdraws the distal body 216). The surgeon then irradiates thex-markers again from the first and second vantage points. As shown inFIG. 19F, the results are exactly the same as in FIG. 19D. Based on theobservation that the proximal, unattached distal-pointing crowns 258A,244 and 258B, 244 have converged at both the original position (FIGS.19C and 19D in which the proximal, unattached distal-pointing crowns258A, 244 and 258B, 244 are immediately distal to the clot 270C) and thesecond position (FIGS. 19E and 19F), the surgeon concludes that the clot270C is a deformable cohesive, adherent clot 270C. The surgeon thenoscillates the distal body 216 proximally and distally a small distance(e.g., about 1mm to about 2 mm) in the vessel 266, and the clot 270Cbegins to enter the distal body 216, as shown in FIG. 19G. The surgeonthen irradiates the x-markers again from the first and second vantagepoints. As shown in FIG. 19H, the results are exactly the same as inFIG. 19D and FIG. 19F except that the second row of markers 258A, 244and 258B, 244 (at the proximal, unattached distal-pointing crowns) arebeginning to move apart. The surgeon then moves the distal body 216proximally again, as shown in FIG. 191. The surgeon then irradiates thex-markers again from the first and second vantage points. As shown inFIG. 19J, the results are exactly the same as in FIGS. 19D and 19F, asthe clot 270C has caused the second row of markers 258A, 244 and 258B,244 to re-converge. The surgeon then oscillates the distal body 216proximally and distally a small distance (e.g., about 1 mm to about 2mm) in the vessel 266, and the clot 270C begins to further enter thedistal body interior 222, as shown in FIG. 19K. The surgeon thenirradiates the x-markers again from the first and second vantage points.As shown in FIG. 19L, the results are the same as in FIG. 19H. Thesurgeon then moves the distal body 216 again proximally, and, instead ofcollapsing the second row of markers 258A, 244 and 258B, 244, the clot270C fully enters the distal body interior 222, as shown in FIG. 19M.The surgeon then irradiates the x-markers again from the first andsecond vantage points. As shown in FIG. 19N, the results show that thesecond row of markers 258A, 244 and 258B, 244 (at the proximal,unattached distal-pointing crowns) have moved apart. Satisfied that thex-ray markers in the second row 258A, 244 and 258B, 244 (at theproximal, unattached distal-pointing crowns) are sufficiently far apartand that the x-ray markers in the third row (at the distal, unattacheddistal-pointing crowns) 258C, 244 and 258D, 244 have stayed far apart,the surgeon concludes that the deformable cohesive, adherent clot 270Chas been sufficiently captured by the distal body 216 and the surgeonthen removes the distal body 216 and the clot 270C, captured by thedistal body 216, by moving the distal body 216 proximally out of thevessel 266.

Several observations can be made from FIGS. 15-19, as indicated above.For example, the x-ray markers at the proximal and distal, unattacheddistal-pointing crowns 258A-D, 244 provide the surgeon feedbackconcerning the interaction between the distal body 216 and the clot 270in the blood vessel 266. In addition, the guiding principle of a softclot 270A is that the soft clot 270A does not collapse the distal body216, and thus, x-ray markers at the proximal and distal, unattacheddistal-pointing crowns 258A-D, 244 always appear as two points exceptwhen a marker is hidden behind another marker (due to the view). When itcomes to a hard clot 270B, the hard clot 270B is generally able to enterthe distal body interior 222 without needing to oscillate the distalbody 216 proximally and distally (unlike a deformable cohesive, adherentclot 270C). However, to capture the hard clot 270B, the hard clot 270Bmust be oriented properly relative to the enlarged cell/drop zones 262A,262B, 262C, or 262D. (This is the reason that the distal body 216 hasfour enlarged cells/drop zones: one enlarged cells/drop zone at 0degrees 262B, one enlarged cells/drop zone at 90 degrees 262C, oneenlarged cells/drop zone at 180 degrees 262A and one enlarged cells/dropzone at 270 degrees 262D). As a guiding principle, an enlarged cell/dropzone 262A, 262B, 262C, or 262D is properly oriented to the clot 270Bwhen the x-ray markers at the proximal, unattached distal-pointingcrowns 258A, 244 and 258B, 244 or the distal, unattached distal pointingcrowns 258C, 244 and 258D, 244 are together at both a first x-ray viewand a second x-ray view 90 degrees relative to the first x-ray view, andthe hard clot 270B can enter the enlarged cell/drop zone 262A, 262B,262C, or 262D by moving the distal body 216 proximally. See FIG. 16F and18D. Finally, the guiding principal of retrieval of deformable cohesive,adherent clots 270C is that oscillation of the distal body 216 causesthe deformable cohesive, adherent clots 270C to gradually enter thedistal basket interior 222 over time.

FIGS. 20A, 20B and 20C show a distal body 216 that is similar to thedistal body 216 of FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C except that the distal body216 of FIGS. 20A, 20B and 20C is slightly shorter and its unattached,distal-pointing crowns 258A, 258B, 258C, and 258D are closer to theproximal tube 228. The shortened distal body 216 of FIGS. 20A, 20B and20C is particularly adapted for tortuous blood vessels 266. FIG. 21-29show stepwise deployment of the distal body 216 of FIGS. 20A, 20B and20C in use with a manual (i.e., hand-operated), volume-dependent (i.e.volume locked) suction catheter 272 that is locked at between about 10to about 60 cubic centimeters (cc). Optionally, the suction catheter 272has an outer diameter of between about 0.05 inches and about 0.09 inchesand its outer diameter is substantially larger than the outer diameterof the delivery catheter 208. The clot 270 is located in the vessel 266through the use of, for example, contrast dye injected proximal anddistal to the clot 270. As shown in FIG. 21, a delivery catheter 208containing the distal body 216 of FIGS. 20A, 20B and 20C is positionedin the tortuous vessel 266 distal to the clot 270. The delivery catheter208 is withdrawn, deploying the distal body 216. See FIG. 22. The distalbody 216 is moved proximally relative to the clot 270 and tension isexerted on pull wire 202. See FIG. 23. While maintaining tension on thepull wire 202, a suction catheter 272 having a proximal end 274 and adistal end 276 is delivered over the pull wire 202 that is attached tothe distal body 216. See FIG. 24. (The reason for exerting tension onthe pull wire 202 is that the pull wire 202 serves as the guide/trackfor the movement of the suction catheter 272 and without tension, thesuction catheter 272 and pull wire 202 could end up in the ophthalmicartery 288). The distal end 276 of the suction catheter 272 ispositioned against the clot 270. A syringe 278 is attached to thesuction catheter 272 using a rotating hemostatic valve 290, which allowsthe surgeon to aspirate while a pull wire 202 is in the system. Thesurgeon aspirates the syringe 278 by pulling back on the lever 280 to amark on the base 282 corresponding to between about 10 and about 60cubic centimeters of fluid. The surgeon then locks the lever 280 (andattached plunger) into place, leaving the suction catheter 272 undersuction. The surgeon captures the clot 270 in the distal body 216 usingthe techniques described in FIGS. 15-19. The distal body 216 and clot270 become captured by the suction catheter 272. See FIGS. 27 and 28.The surgeon then removes the suction catheter 272 and the distal body216 and the clot 270, captured by the suction catheter 272, by movingthe suction catheter 272 proximally out of the vessel 266. See FIG. 29.It is believed that the suction catheter 272 would be helpful in theevent that a small portion of the clot 270 breaks off when retrievingthe clot 270 using the distal body 216.

To examine effectiveness of the systems 200, the systems 200 of FIGS.11-20, without the use of a suction catheter 272, were used to retrievesoft and hard clots 270A and 270B induced in a pig weighing between 30to 50 kg. The weight of the pig was chosen so that the size of itsvessels 266 would be approximate to the size of a human vessel. The pigwas anesthetized. Several hard clots 270B were prepared by mixing pigblood and barium and incubating the mixture for 2 hours. Several softclots 270A were prepared by mixing pig blood, thrombin and barium andincubating the mixture for 1 hour. The clots 270A and 270B, each ofwhich had a width of 4 to 6 mm and a length of 10 to 40 mm, were theninserted into a vessel 266 having a diameter of 2 to 4 mm. (Only oneclot 270A and 270B was located in the vessel 266 at a time). Angiogramswere then performed to confirm occlusion. After waiting ten minutesafter confirming occlusion, the distal bodies 216 of FIGS. 11-20 werethen delivered distal to the clots 270A and 270B as described above andwere used to retrieve the clots 270A and 270B as described in FIGS.11-19. In each case, the distal bodies 216 were successful in retrievingthe clots 270A and 270B. As shown, the distal body height in the relaxedstate tapers/decreases as the proximal strips 252 approach the proximalhub/junction/tube 228 and also tapers/decreases as the basket strips 291located at the distal end 220 of the basket 246 converge at the distalhub/junction/tube 236.

The Alternate Embodiment of FIG. 65

FIG. 65 shows a distal body 216 in which the proximal strips proximalends 254 converge and are soldered or welded at the proximalhub/junction 228 and the basket strips 291 located at the distal end 220of the basket 246 converge and are soldered or welded at the distalhub/junction 236. To create such an embodiment, the distal body 216 maybe prepared from a single tube, as described above, and the proximal anddistal tubes may be clipped and the proximal ends 254 of the proximalstrips 252 soldered or welded together (and optionally to the pull wire202) and the basket strips 291 located at the distal end 220 of thebasket 246 may also be welded or soldered or welded together.Optionally, the proximal and distal hubs/junctions 228 and 236 mayinclude x-ray markers 244 as described above.

The Embodiments of FIGS. 30-35

FIGS. 30-35 illustrate additional embodiments of object retrievalsystem. Optionally, the system 300 of FIGS. 30-35 includes:

a pull wire 308 having a proximal end 310, a distal end 312 and a pullwire longitudinal axis 314 extending from the proximal end 310 to thedistal end 312;

a coaxial sheath/tube 316 having a hollow interior, an open proximal end318 leading to the hollow interior, and an open distal end 320 leadingto the hollow interior, the coaxial sheath 316 enveloping the pull wire308, the coaxial sheath 316 slideable along at least a segment of thepull wire 308;

a distal basket 322 comprising an interior 324, a proximal end 326, adistal end 328, a distal basket length 330 extending from the distalbasket proximal end 326 to the distal basket distal end 328, a distalbasket height 332 perpendicular to the distal basket length 330, aplurality of proximal cells 336 defined by a plurality of proximal cellmemory metal strips 338, each proximal cell 336 comprising a proximalcrown 340 located at the proximal end of the proximal cell 336 andpointing generally in the proximal direction and a distal crown 342located at the distal end of the proximal cell 336 and pointinggenerally in the distal direction, and a plurality of distal cells 350distal to the proximal cells 336;

a plurality of proximal strips 352, each proximal strip 352 having aproximal end 354 extending from the coaxial sheath distal end 320, adistal end 356 attached to a proximal crown 340 of a proximal cell 336and a length 358 extending from the proximal end 354 to the distal end356; and a delivery catheter 360, as described above, and having ahollow interior 366, a proximal end 362 leading to the interior 366 anda distal end 364 leading to the interior 366, the delivery catheter 360comprised of a biocompatible material.

Optionally, the distal basket 322 is comprised of a memory metal andhas:

a relaxed state in which the distal end 320 of the coaxial sheath 316 islocated a first distance proximal to the proximal crowns 336 and whereinthe distal basket 322, as measured at the proximal-most crown 336, has afirst height,

a proximal collapsed state in which the distal end 320 of the coaxialsheath 316 is located a second distance proximal to the proximal crowns336 and wherein the distal basket 322, as measured at the proximal-mostcrown 336, has a second height, the second distance greater than thefirst distance, the second height less than the first height, and

a distal collapsed state in which the distal end 320 of the coaxialsheath 316 is located distal to the proximal crowns 336 and in thebasket interior 324 and wherein the distal basket 322, as measured atthe proximal-most crown 336, has a third height, the third height lessthan the first height,

wherein the delivery catheter 366 is configured to envelope the distalbasket 322 when the distal basket 322 is in the proximal collapsedstate;

wherein the distal basket 322 is configured to move from the relaxedstate to the proximal collapsed state by moving the distal end 320 ofthe coaxial sheath 316 proximally relative to the proximal crowns 336;and

wherein the distal basket 322 is configured to move from the relaxedstate to the distal collapsed state by moving the distal end 320 of thecoaxial sheath 316 distally beyond the proximal crowns 336 and into thedistal basket interior 324.

Optionally, each proximal crown 340 comprises a proximal tip 344 andfurther wherein each proximal strip 352 is configured to cover aproximal tip 344 when the distal basket 322 is in the distal collapsedstate. See FIG. 35C, where the proximal strip 352 is folding back onitself to cover the proximal tip 344. Optionally, each proximal crown340 comprises an eyelet 370 and further wherein each proximal strip 352passes through an eyelet 370. Optionally, the distal end 356 of eachproximal strip 352 comprises a loop 372 attaching the proximal strip 352to an eyelet 370. Optionally, each proximal crown 340 has an interiorsurface 348 facing the distal basket interior 324 and an exteriorsurface 350 opposite the interior surface 348 and further wherein eachproximal strip 352 contacts an exterior surface 350 of a proximal crown340 in the proximal collapsed state and the distal collapsed states, asbest seen in FIGS. 35A-C. Without being bound to any particular theory,it is believed that threading the proximal strips 352 through theeyelets 370 as shown in FIGS. 35A-35C, helps protect the proximal crowns340 (in particular, the proximal tips 344 of the proximal crowns 340)from damaging the vessel wall 306 when the proximal crowns 340 movetowards each other and the pull wire 308 when the distal basket 322moves to the distal collapsed state and the proximal collapsed state.Optionally, the pull wire 308 extends through the distal basket interior324 and further wherein the proximal crowns 340 are configured to movetowards each other and towards the pull wire 308 when the distal basket322 moves from the gaping state to the distal collapsed state.Optionally, the proximal crowns 340 are configured to remain a fixeddistance from the distal end 328 of the distal basket 322 when thedistal basket 322 moves from the relaxed state to the distal collapsedstate. In other words, preferably, the distal basket length 330 does notchange when the distal basket 322 moves from the distal basket relaxedstate to the distal basket. Optionally, the coaxial sheath 316 is abraided catheter comprised of a plurality of braids and further whereinthe proximal segments of the braids are wound/woven together to form thebraided catheter and further wherein an unwound/unwoven distal segmentof each braid forms a proximal strip 352, as shown in FIG. 34.Optionally, at least one component of the system 300 (e.g., the proximalcrown 340 or the distal tube 334) comprises an x-ray marker 374 that ismore visible under x-ray as compared to the other components when thedistal basket 322 is located in a cranial blood vessel 304 inside thebody of a human and the x-ray is taken from outside the human's body.Preferably, the x-ray marker 374 is a radiopaque material. Some examplesof radiopaque materials can include, but are not limited to, gold,platinum, palladium, tantalum, tungsten alloy, polymer material loadedwith radiopaque filler, and the like. Preferably, the non x-ray markercomponents are comprised of nitinol and the x-ray marker 374 iscomprised of a material having a density greater than the nitinol. Insome embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 30A, 30B, 31A, 31B, 32A-F, theproximal ends 354 of the proximal strips 352 are integral with thecoaxial sheath 316. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 33, theproximal ends 354 of the proximal strips 352 are attached to the coaxialsheath 316. Optionally, the system 300 comprises between two and fourproximal strips 352 and the proximal strips 352 are spaced substantiallyevenly apart (e.g., if there are two proximal strips 252, the strips arelocated about 180 degrees relative to each other, as shown in FIG. 30D;if there are three proximal strips 252, the strips are located about 120degrees relative to each other, as shown in FIG. 30C; and if there arefour proximal strips 252, the strips are located about 1200 degreesrelative to each other, as shown in FIG. 30E). Optionally, the proximalstrips 352 have a length 358 of from about 5 mm to about 40 mm in therelaxed state. Optionally, the pull wire 308 extends through the basketinterior 324 from the distal basket proximal end 326 to the distalbasket distal end 328. Optionally, the coaxial sheath interior has asize and shape, and further wherein the size and shape of the coaxialsheath interior are configured to prevent a segment 376 of the pull wire308 located in the basket interior 322 and distal relative to the distalend 320 of the coaxial sheath 316 from moving through the coaxial sheathinterior. In other words, optionally the pull wire 308 has a stop 376that consists of a knot or other enlargement. Optionally, the distal end328 of the distal basket 322 comprises a distal tube 334 having an openproximal end and an open distal end, the distal tube 334 comprised of amemory metal. Optionally, the distal tube 334 is attached to the pullwire 308 so that the distal tube 334 is not slideable along the pullwire 308. This allows the entire distal basket 322 to be fixed to (i.e.,not slideable along)the pull wire 308. Optionally, wherein all proximalcrowns 340 of the proximal cells 336 are attached to a proximal strip352, which is designed to minimize damage to the vessel wall 306.Optionally, the distal basket 322 further comprises a lead wire 378extending distally from the distal basket 322. Optionally, the proximalstrips 352 and the distal basket 322 have a different materialcomposition. In other words, whereas the proximal strips 352 aredesigned to be soft, preferably, the distal basket 322 is comprised of amemory metal such as nitinol. Optionally, the proximal strips 352 arecomprised of a polymer, which as used herein includes a co-polymer.Optionally, the polymer is selected from the group consisting offluorinated ethylene propylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, andtetrafluoroethtylene. Optionally, the proximal strips 352 are comprisedof a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, rubber,nylon, suture material, and braided catheter material.

Optionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 32A-32F, the system 300 is used inmethod of removing a clot 302 from a blood vessel 304 of an animal, theblood vessel 304 having an interior wall 306 forming the blood vessel304, the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing the system 300, wherein the coaxial sheath 316 is locatedin the catheter interior 366 and the distal basket 322 is located in thecatheter interior 366 in a collapsed state;

b) positioning the catheter 360 in the blood vessel 304 (see FIG. 32A);

c) deploying the distal basket 322 from the distal end 364 of thecatheter 360 so that the proximal crowns 340 of the proximal cells 336are distal to the clot 302;

d) allowing the distal basket 322 to move to the relaxed state (see FIG.32B; the coaxial sheath 316 is in the first position along the pull wire308);

e) moving the distal end 320 of the coaxial sheath 316 distally alongthe pull wire 308 to the fourth position (see FIG. 32C; note that theproximal crowns 340 have remained in the same location and that thedistal basket height 332, as measured at the proximal-most crown 340,has not decreased yet; preferably, an x-ray marker 374 on the pull wire308 allows the surgeon to locate the fourth position);

f) moving the distal basket 322 and the coaxial sheath 316 proximallyand capturing the clot 302 in the distal basket interior 324 (see FIG.32D);

g) moving the coaxial sheath 316 further distally along the pull wire(i.e., at or near the third position; preferably, an x-ray marker 374 onthe pull wire 308 allows the surgeon to locate the third position) sothat the distal basket height 332, as measured at the proximal-mostcrown 340, decreases and the proximal crowns 340 move toward each otherand towards the pull wire 308 (see FIGS. 32D and 32E; it will beappreciated that the proximal crowns 340 collapse like a claw in FIGS.31B, 32D and 32E due to tension exerted on the crowns 340 by theproximal strips 352, similar to the mechanism described in FIGS. 3-10);and

h) moving the system 300 proximally out of the blood vessel 304.

The coaxial sheath 316 optionally has a length of at least 50centimeters (cm), e.g., about 50 cm to about 300 cm, so that the coaxialsheath 316 can be moved by the surgeon outside of the patient's body.The coaxial sheath 316 can be formed of several parts that are fusedtogether to form the coaxial sheath 316. The coaxial sheath 316 ispreferably sufficiently flexible so that it can bend around the carotidsiphon and reach the blood vessel with the clot—i.e., the coaxial sheath316 is configured to bend when placed in the carotid siphon so that thecoaxial sheath 316 can pass through the carotid siphon and reach bloodvessels distal to the carotid siphon.

The Embodiments of FIGS. 36-44

FIGS. 36-44 further illustrate other embodiments of a modular,easy-to-manufacture platform of systems for retrieving hard clots andother objects in animal lumens. In some embodiments, the system includesa proximal tube, a distal tube, and a plurality of memory metal stripsbetween the proximal and distal tubes. The plurality of memory metalstrips form a wide range of basket designs. Preferably, the proximaltube, memory metal strips, and distal tube are derived from a standard,off-the-shelf single tube of memory metal (e.g., nitinol), with theproximal tube and distal tube having the same inner diameter and outerdiameter as the native tube from which they were derived and with thebasket formed by cutting the middle portion of the native tube andexpanding and shape-setting this cut portion. Preferably, the proximaltube and distal tube have an outer diameter that is from about 0.02inches to about 0.03 inches (e.g., about 0.027 inches) so that thedevice fits inside a standard microcatheter and an inner diameter thatis from about 0.01 inches to about 0.02 inches. Preferably, there are nowelded or soldered parts between the proximal tube and distal tube,which makes the system easy and cheap to reliably manufacture. Thesystem also includes one or more catheters for deploying the system, anda first wire that is attached to the proximal tube and a second wirethat is attached to the distal tube. Preferably, the system includes twocatheters—a guide catheter and a microcatheter. The plurality of memorymetal strips attached to the proximal hub/junction include a pluralityof proximal tether memory metal strips, which have a proximal endattached to the distal end of the proximal tube.

The present disclosure also provides a system for removing objectswithin an interior lumen of an animal. In some embodiments, the systemincludes

a pull wire having a proximal end, a distal end and a pull wirelongitudinal axis extending from said proximal end to said distal end;

a distal basket attached to said pull wire, said distal basketcomprising a proximal end, a distal end, a distal basket lengthextending from said distal basket proximal end to said distal end, adistal basket height perpendicular to said distal basket length and saidpull wire longitudinal axis, a proximal tube located at said proximalend of the distal basket, said proximal tube comprising a hollowinterior, a plurality of proximal tether memory metal strips, a row ofproximal cells defined by a plurality of proximal cell memory metalstrips, each proximal cell comprising a proximal crown located at theproximal end of the proximal cell and pointing generally in the proximaldirection, each proximal tether memory metal strip having a proximal endattached to said proximal tube, a distal end attached to a crown of aproximal cell and a length extending from said proximal end to saiddistal end, a row of distal crowns located distal to said proximal cellspointing in the distal direction, and further wherein the number ofdistal crowns in said row is twice the number of proximal crownsattached to said proximal tether memory metal strips, and a distal tubelocated at said distal end of said distal basket,

-   said distal basket having

a relaxed state wherein said distal basket has a first height and

a collapsed state wherein said distal basket has a second height, saidsecond height less than said first height, and

a catheter having an interior, a proximal end leading to said interiorand a distal end leading to said interior, said catheter comprised of abiocompatible material and configured to envelope said distal body whensaid distal basket is in said collapsed state.

Optionally, said proximal tether memory metal strips rotate about saidpull wire longitudinal axis such that a distal end of a proximal tethermemory metal strip is located between about 90 and about 270 degreesrelative to said proximal end of the same proximal tether memory metalstrip. Optionally, said proximal tether memory metal strips and saidproximal cell memory metal strips each have a thickness and furtherwherein said thickness of said proximal tether memory metal strips isbetween about 100 to about 175 percent of the thickness of the proximalcell memory metal strips. Optionally, the length of said proximal tethermemory metal strips is about 10 mm to about 20 mm in the relaxed state(and the length of the remainder of the basket is about 10 to about 20mm in the relaxed state so that the total basket length is between about20 to about 40 mm in the relaxed state). Optionally, said distal end ofsaid pull wire is attached to said proximal tube. Some or all of theproximal crowns of said proximal cells may be attached to a proximaltether memory metal strip. Optionally, said distal basket furthercomprises a row of strut memory metal strips, each strut memory metalstrip having a proximal end attached to a distal crown of a proximalcell and a distal end attached to a proximal crown of a distal cell.Optionally, the distal basket comprises between two and four proximaltether memory metal strips. Optionally, said proximal tether memorymetal strips are integral with said proximal tube. Optionally, saiddistal body further comprises a lead wire extending distally from saiddistal tube. Optionally, said distal tube, said proximal tube, and saidbasket are comprised of a nitinol having the same material composition.Optionally, said distal body further comprises an x-ray marker.Optionally, said proximal and said distal tubes are generallycylindrical in shape and each has an outer diameter and an innerdiameter, the inner diameter forming the apertures of the proximal anddistal tubes and further wherein the outer diameters of the proximal anddistal tubes are substantially the same size and further wherein theinner diameters of the proximal and distal tubes are substantially thesame size. Optionally, the outer diameters of the proximal and distaltubes are from about 0.011 inches to about 0.054 inches, and furtherwherein the inner diameters of the proximal and distal tubes are fromabout 0.008 inches to about 0.051 inches. Optionally, the pull wire isgenerally cylindrical and further wherein the diameter of the pull wireis between about 0.008 inches and about 0.051 inches. Optionally, thefirst height is between about 2 millimeters and about 8 millimeters.

The present disclosure also provides a method of removing an object froman interior lumen of an animal, said lumen having an interior wallforming said lumen, the method comprising the steps of:

-   a) providing the system described above;-   b) positioning the system in said lumen, said basket located in said    catheter in said collapsed state;-   c) deploying said distal basket from said distal end of said    catheter so that said proximal crowns of said proximal cells are    distal to said obstruction;-   d) allowing said distal basket to move to said relaxed state;-   e) moving said distal basket over said obstruction; and-   f) removing said distal basket and said obstruction from said lumen.

Optionally, said interior lumen is an intracranial artery and saidobstruction is a blood clot.

In further embodiments, the system includes:

-   a pull wire having a proximal end, a distal end and a pull wire    longitudinal axis extending from said proximal end to said distal    end;-   a proximal basket attached to said pull wire, said proximal basket    comprising an interior, an exterior, a proximal end, a distal end, a    proximal basket length extending from said proximal basket proximal    end to said distal end, a proximal basket height perpendicular to    said proximal basket length and said pull wire longitudinal axis, a    proximal tube located at said proximal end of the proximal basket,    said proximal tube comprising a hollow interior, a plurality of rows    of cells, each cell defined by a plurality of memory metal strips,    each cell comprising a proximal crown located at the proximal end of    the proximal cell and pointing generally in the proximal direction    and a distal crown located at the distal end of the proximal cell    and pointing generally in the distal direction,-   a distal basket attached to said pull wire, said distal basket    comprising an interior, an exterior, a proximal end, a distal end, a    distal basket length extending from said distal basket proximal end    to said distal end, a distal basket height perpendicular to said    distal basket length and said pull wire longitudinal axis, a distal    tube located at said distal end of the distal basket, said distal    tube comprising a distal tube aperture, a plurality of rows of    cells, each cell defined by a plurality of memory metal strips, each    cell comprising a proximal crown located at the proximal end of the    proximal cell and pointing generally in the proximal direction and a    distal crown located at the distal end of the proximal cell and    pointing generally in the distal direction,-   a plurality of tether memory metal strips, each tether memory metal    strip having a proximal end attached to a distal crown of a cell    located at the distal end of said proximal basket and a distal end    attached to a proximal crown of a cell located at the proximal end    of said distal basket,-   said proximal basket having-   a relaxed state wherein said proximal basket has a first height and-   a collapsed state wherein said proximal basket has a second height,    said second height less than said first height and said second width    less than said first width,-   said distal basket having-   a relaxed state wherein said distal basket has a first height and a    first width and-   a collapsed state wherein said distal basket has a second height and    a second width, said second height less than said first height, and-   a catheter having an interior, a proximal end leading to said    interior and a distal end leading to said interior, said catheter    comprised of a biocompatible material and configured to envelope    said distal and said proximal basket when said baskets are in said    collapsed state.

Optionally, said tether memory metal strips rotate about said pull wirelongitudinal axis such that a distal end of a tether memory metal stripis located between about 90 and about 270 degrees relative to saidproximal end of the same proximal tether memory metal strip.

More particularly, with reference to FIGS. 36-44 the present disclosureprovides a deployable system, generally designated by the numeral 410,for removing an obstruction such as a blood clot 417 or other objectfrom a blood vessel 488 or other interior lumen of an animal. Inaddition to a blood clot 417, the obstruction may be, for example,extruded coils during aneurysm treatment, intravascular embolic materialsuch as onyx or other obstructions requiring mechanical intravascularremoval from small distal vessels. In the drawings, not all referencenumbers are included in each drawing for the sake of clarity.

One example of a deployable basket system 410 is shown in FIGS. 37A-37B,38A-E and 39A. As shown in FIGS. 31A-31E, 32G-32H and 35A, the system410 includes a pull wire 443 having a proximal end 445, a distal end 444and a pull wire longitudinal axis 446 extending from said proximal end445 to said distal end 444. Optionally, the diameter of the pull wire443 is between about 0.008 inches and about 0.051 inches.

The system 410 further includes a distal basket 411 attached to saidpull wire 443, said distal basket 411 comprising a proximal end 469, adistal end 465, a distal basket length 467 extending from said distalbasket proximal end 469 to said distal end 465, a distal basket height461 perpendicular to said distal basket length 467 and said pull wirelongitudinal axis 446, a proximal hub/junction 439 located at saidproximal end 469 of the distal basket 411 and comprising a hollowinterior 441, said distal end 444 of said pull wire 443 attached to saidproximal hub/junction 439, a plurality of proximal tether memory metalstrips 457, a plurality of proximal cells 436 defined by a plurality ofproximal cell memory metal strips 466, each proximal cell 436 comprisinga proximal crown 438 located at the proximal end of the proximal cell436 and pointing generally in the proximal direction and a distal crown424 located at the distal end of the proximal cell 436 and pointinggenerally in the distal direction, each proximal tether memory metalstrip 457 having a proximal end 455 attached to said proximalhub/junction 439 (preferably said proximal hub/junction distal end 440),a distal end 453 attached to a crown of a proximal cell 438 and a length455 extending from said proximal end 455 to said distal end 453, aplurality of distal cells 422 distal to the proximal cells 436, and adistal hub/junction 425 located at said distal end 465 of said distalbasket, comprising a hollow interior 427 and attached to a proximal endof a leader wire 431. Preferably, the proximal hub/junction 439 anddistal hub/junction 425 are hollow tubes formed from the same tube ofmemory metal, as described below. In some embodiments, the basket 411includes a first row of two crowns (i.e., the proximal crowns 438 of theproximal cells 436) and then subsequent repeating rows of twice as manycrowns as compared to the number of proximal crowns 438 (i.e., fourcrowns) along the basket length 467.

The system further includes a guide catheter 430 and a microcatheter432, which is wider and shorter than the guide catheter 430, so that themicrocatheter 432 can fit inside the guide catheter 430. Themicrocatheter 432 has a hollow interior 415, a proximal end 416 leadingto said interior 415 and a distal end 414 leading to said interior 415.The microcatheter 432 is comprised of a biocompatible material. Forpurposes of FIGS. 36-44, the terms “guide catheter”, “microcatheter” and“catheter” generally refers to any suitable tube through which thesystem 410 can be deployed. Preferably, the catheters are sterile andcomprised of a biocompatible material (i.e., a material that does notirritate the human body during the course of a 45 minute operation thatinvolves using the system 410 to remove a clot 417 from an intracranialblood vessel 488). The catheter can be any suitable shape, including butnot limited to generally cylindrical. For purposes of the presentinvention, when it is said that the catheter envelopes the system 410,it will be understood that the catheter envelopes at least one componentof the system 410 (preferably, the distal basket 411, the lead wire 431,which is a wire that extends distally from the pull wire 443, and thepull wire 443). In some embodiments, the microcatheter 32 is about 2.5French in diameter. Optionally, the catheter is delivered to the regionof the lumen that has the obstruction 417 as follows: a guide wire isdelivered to the obstruction region past the obstruction 417; thecatheter is delivered over the guide wire; the guide wire is removed;and the system 410 is delivered with its pull wire 443 and lead wire 431through the catheter. Optionally, the pull wire 443 is used to push thesystem 410 through the catheter as well as to retrieve the distal basket411 after capturing the obstruction 417 as described below. The system410 may utilize a plurality of catheters as described above, such as,for example, a wider catheter that travels to the brain and a veryflexible, smaller diameter microcatheter that is delivered from thefirst catheter and travels through the small arteries of the brain.

FIG. 37A shows the distal basket 411 collapsed inside a microcatheter432. The distal basket 411 is in what's referred to as the collapsedstate. In this state, the system 410 is able to be located inside themicrocatheter 432 and the basket height 461 is collapsed. For purposesof FIGS. 36-44, the basket height 461 generally refers to the height ata particular location (e.g., at the proximal-most crown 438 of thedistal basket 411 or the distal-most crown 500 of the proximal basket433), it being understood that the height of the distal basket 411 andproximal basket 433 may vary along the distal basket length 467 and thelength of the proximal basket 433.

As shown in FIGS. 36-44, the distance 463 between the proximalhub/junction 439 and distal hub/junction 425 (i.e., the basket length467) is generally longer in the collapsed state, as compared to therelaxed state.

FIG. 37B shows the same basket system as FIG. 37A, except that thebasket 411 has been deployed from the distal end 414 of themicrocatheter 432 by pulling the microcatheter 432 proximally. As shownin FIG. 37B, the basket 411 is now in a relaxed state and the basketheight 461 has increased. In the relaxed state exemplified, the basketlength 467 and the distance 463 between the proximal and distalhubs/junctions 439 and 425 has decreased slightly as the basket 411 hasrelaxed. Optionally, the length of said proximal basket 467 is betweenabout 20 and about 40 mm and the length 454 of said proximal tethermemory metal strips 457 are between about 10 and about 20 mm in therelaxed state.

FIG. 38 illustrates use of the basket system shown in FIG. 37 in anintracranial artery 488. As shown in FIG. 38A, first the guide catheter430 is deployed proximal to the clot 417. The microcatheter 432 is thenadvanced distally beyond the clot 417. The basket 411 is collapsedinside the microcatheter 432. Next, as shown in FIG. 38B, themicrocatheter 432 is moved proximally to deploy the basket 411 so thatthe proximal tether memory metal strips 457 are distal to the clot 417.The basket 411 is now in the relaxed state. Next, as shown in FIG. 38C,the user moves the basket 411 proximally over the clot 417.

FIG. 39A shows a close-up view of the proximal end of the basket 411,including the proximal tube interior 441, the attachment of the proximaltether memory metal strips 457 at the distal end 455 of the proximalhub/junction 439, and the proximal crowns 438 of the proximal cells 436.In FIG. 39A, all proximal crowns 438 of the proximal cells 436 areattached to a proximal tether memory metal strip 457. FIG. 39Billustrates an alternative embodiment in which two proximal crowns 438 aof a proximal cell 436 (the top and bottom crowns 438 a) are attached toa proximal tether memory metal strip 457 and one proximal crown 438 b ofa proximal cell 436 is not attached to a proximal tether memory metalstrip 457.

FIG. 40 illustrates a similar to basket system 410 to the above systems.In FIG. 40, the proximal tether memory metal strips 457 are relativelythick (e.g., about 150% of the thickness of the proximal cell memorymetal strips 466).

It will be noted that the proximal end of the system 410 is shown at thebottom end of FIGS. 36-44 and the distal end of the system 410 is shownat the top end of FIGS. 36-44 because a principal use of the system 410is to remove a blood clot 417 from a human intracranial artery 488, inwhich case the system 410 generally will enter the artery 488 at itsproximal end by the surgeon entering the patient's body near the groinand pushing the catheter 432 towards the brain. The diameter of humanarteries 488 generally decrease from their proximal end to their distalend. However, when used in other types of lumens, the distal basket 411may be located proximally relative to the catheter 432 as the termproximally and distally are used in that lumen.

FIG. 41 illustrates another embodiment of a basket system 411 with aproximal basket 433 and a distal basket 411. In this embodiment, thesystem 411 includes a proximal hub/junction 439 (similar to the priorembodiments). The difference is that the tether memory metal strips 457actually join the proximal basket 433 and the distal basket 411. Moreparticularly, the proximal basket 433 is comprised of a plurality ofproximal cells 436 attached to the proximal hub/junction 439 and aplurality of distal cells 422 and the distal basket is comprised of aplurality of proximal cells 436 attached to the proximal hub/junction439 (preferably to the proximal end 499 of the distal hub/junction 425)and a plurality of distal cells 422 and the tether memory metal strips457 join a distal crown 423 of a distal cell 422 of the distal basket411 with a proximal crown 438 of a proximal cell 436 of the proximalbasket 433.

FIG. 42 illustrate an embodiment of the tether memory metal strips 457rotating about said pull wire longitudinal axis 446 such that the distalend 453 of a proximal tether memory metal strip 457 is located betweenabout 90 and about 270 degrees relative to said proximal end 455 of thesame proximal tether memory metal strip 457. In addition, the proximaltether memory metal strips 457 may rotate around their longitudinal axis454 such that a distal end 453 of a proximal tether memory metal strip457 rotates about 90 degrees around this tether longitudinal axis 454from the distal end 453 to the proximal end 455 of the same proximalmemory metal strip 457. FIGS. 43B and 43C illustrates an exemplaryembodiment, where the proximal end 455A of the first proximal tethermemory metal strip 457A is located attached to the proximal tube 439 atthe 12 o'clock position and the distal end 453A of the same proximaltether memory metal strip 457A is attached to a proximal-most crown 439at the 9 o'clock position. In addition, the second proximal tethermemory metal strip 457B is located attached to the proximal tube 439 atthe 6 o'clock position and the distal end 453B of the same proximaltether memory metal strip 457B is attached to the other proximal-mostcrown 439 at the 3 o'clock position. FIGS. 43D and 43E illustrate anexemplary embodiment of 180 degree rotation, where the proximal end 455Aof the first proximal tether memory metal strip 457A is located attachedto the proximal tube 439 at the 12 o'clock position and the distal end453A of the same proximal tether memory metal strip 457A is attached toa proximal-most crown 439 at the 6 o'clock position. In addition, thesecond proximal tether memory metal strip 457B is located attached tothe proximal tube 439 at the 6 o'clock position and the distal end 453Bof the same proximal tether memory metal strip 457 b is attached to theother proximal-most crown 439 at the 12 o'clock position.

FIGS. 44A-44E illustrate a side, perspective view of stepwise deploymentand use of a basket system 410 with a proximal basket 433 and a distalbasket 411 in a blood vessel to retrieve a clot 417. As shown, thedistal basket 411 is deployed proximal to said clot 417 and saidproximal basket 433 is deployed at said clot 417 so that said proximalbasket 433 is at level of the clot. After allowing some time for clotdebris to penetrate the proximal basket 433, the basket system 433 ismoved proximally toward said microcatheter 432. See FIGS. 44B and 44C.As shown in FIG. 44D, the clot 417 falls moves medially into the void orspace 498 between the proximal basket 433 and distal basket 411. Thesystem 410 continues to move proximally. The clot 477 is then locatedinside the distal basket 411. See FIG. 44E. The proximal basket 433optionally has a length in the relaxed state of preferably from about 10to about 20 mm, as measured from the proximal-most crown to thedistal-most crown.

The proximal basket 433 is used to deploy the system 411 across theobstruction 417 and is the initial site where the clot 417 entersthrough the struts 452. As the basket system 411 is pulled/draggedproximally, the site of the proximal tether memory metal strip 457 givesa relative “open” area 498 for the clot 417 to fall into in the lumen ofthe vessel 488. The distal basket 411 captures the clot 417 that hasentered into the system 410 either through the basket cell openings orat the level of proximal tether memory metal strips 457 and preventsembolization into distal vessels 480. Preferably, the proximal basket433 has two distal crowns 500 at the distal end of the proximal basket433 that are attached to the proximal end 455 of the proximal tethermemory metal strips 457 and then one or more rows of proximal cells 501,with four cells in each row.

In some embodiments, the basket system 410 is prepared by a process thatincludes one or more of the following steps, as illustrated in FIG. 36:

-   a) providing a single tube 468 comprised of a memory metal such as    nitinol, the single tube 468 having an exterior, a substantially    hollow interior, a wall 482 separating the exterior from the    substantially hollow interior, an open proximal end 474, an open    distal end 476, a middle portion 478 between the open proximal end    474 and the open distal end 476 (see FIG. 36A);-   b) cutting the wall of the middle portion 478 with a laser 480 (see    FIG. 36B);-   c) removing the pieces of the middle portion cut by the laser 480 to    form a basket system 410 comprising a proximal tube 439 comprising a    hollow interior 441 extending through said proximal tube 439, said    proximal tube having a proximal end 442 and a distal end 440, a    distal tube 425 comprising a hollow interior 441 extending through    said distal tube 425, and a middle portion 478 located between said    proximal tube 439 and said distal tube 425 and comprising a    plurality of proximal tether memory metal strips 457, each proximal    tether memory metal strip 457 having a proximal end 455 attached to    the distal end 440 of the proximal tube 439 and a distal end 453;-   d) altering the shape of the middle portion 478 using a mandrel and    allowing the middle portion 478 to expand relative to the distal    tube 476 and proximal tube 474 to form a distal basket 411 that    includes a plurality of cells 422 and 436;-   e) quenching the middle portion 478 at room temperature;-   f) removing the mandrel from the middle portion 478;-   g) mechanically or chemically electropolishing the middle portion    478 to remove oxides (see FIG. 36C);-   h) inserting a pull wire 443 to said proximal tube 439; and-   i) attaching a leader wire 431 to said distal hub/junction 425 (see    FIG. 36D).

In some embodiments, the middle portion 478 is expanded by heating themandrel and the middle portion 478 by, for example, placing the mandreland the middle portion 478 in a fluidized sand bath at about 500° C. forabout 3 to about 7 minutes. As the middle portion 478 is heated, theheating causes the crystalline structure of the memory metal tube 468 torealign. Preferably, the mandrel is tapered (e.g., substantially conicalor bullet in shape) so that the portion of the distal basket 411 formedfrom the middle portion 478 tapers from the proximal-most crown 438 tothe distal end 466. Preferably, the proximal and distal ends of the tube474 and 476 are not shape set by the mandrel and are not cut by thelaser 480 so that the proximal and distal ends 474 and 476 do not changein shape and only slightly expand in size under heating and return tothe size of the native tube 468 after the heat is removed. Preferably,the laser cuts are programmed via a computer. To ensure that the lasercuts only one surface of the tube wall at the time (and not the surfacedirectly opposite the desired cutting surface), the laser 480 ispreferably focused between the inner and outer diameter of the desiredcutting surface and a coolant is passed through the memory metal tube468 so that the laser 480 cools before reaching the surface directlyopposite the desired cutting surface.

The portions of the wall not cut by the laser 480 create the proximaland distal tubes 474 and 476 as well as the other components of thedistal basket 411, and memory metal strips 457 and 466, as described.

Preferably, the memory metal selected for the native tube 468 has a heatof transformation below average human body temperature (37° C.) so thatthe distal basket 411 has sufficient spring and flexibility afterdeployment from the catheter 432 in the human blood vessel 88.

In some embodiments, the native tube 468 (and hence the distal andproximal tubes 474 and 476) have an outer diameter of less than about 4French, e.g., a diameter of about 1 to about 4 French. In someembodiments, the diameter of the pull wire 443 is between about 0.008inches and about 0.051, as noted above, and in such embodiments, thediameter of the pull wire 443 may be approximately equal to the innerdiameter 472 of the native nitinol tube 468.

Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed thatmanufacturing the distal basket 411 from a single memory metal tube 468provides ease of manufacturing and safety from mechanical failure andprovides tensile strength necessary for the system 410 to remove hardthrombus 417 and other obstructions.

Optionally, after step e, the basket 411 further comprises a row 448 ofproximal cells 436, each proximal cell 436 defined by a plurality ofmemory metal strips 466 and comprising a proximal crown 438 located at aproximal end of the cell 436 and pointing in the proximal direction anda distal crown 424 located at a distal end of the cell and pointing inthe distal direction and further wherein each of said proximal crowns438 of said proximal cells 436 is attached to a distal end 453 of aproximal tether memory metal strip 457. Optionally, after step e, thebasket 410 further comprises a row 447 of distal cells 422 locateddistal to said proximal cells 436 and connected to said distal crowns424 of said proximal cells 436, each distal cell 422 defined by aplurality of memory metal strips 466 and comprising a proximal crown 437located at a proximal end of the cell 422 and pointing in the proximaldirection and a distal crown 423 located at a distal end of the cell 422and pointing in the distal direction, and further wherein the number ofdistal cells 422 is twice the number of proximal cells 436. Optionally,after step e, the basket system 410 further comprises a row 449 of strutmemory metal strips 452, each strut memory metal strip 452 having aproximal end 451 attached to a distal crown 424 of a proximal cell 436and a distal end 450 attached to a proximal crown 437 of a distal cell422. Optionally, the basket 411 comprises no welded or solderedcomponents and said proximal tether memory metal strips 457 are integralwith said proximal cell crowns 438.

Optionally, after step e, the basket system 411 comprises between twoand four proximal tether memory metal strips 457. Optionally, prior tocutting the memory metal tube 468, the memory metal tub 468 has an outerdiameter 486 that is from about 0.011 inches to about 0.054 inches andan inner diameter 484 that is from about 0.008 inches to about 0.051inches. Optionally, after step e), the proximal tube 439 and distal tube425 have an outer diameter that is from about 0.02 inches to about 0.03inches and an inner diameter that is from about 0.01 inches to about0.02 inches. Optionally, the method further includes placing said basket411 inside a catheter 432 comprised of a biocompatible material.Optionally, the method further includes the steps of placing the basket411 inside a lumen 488 of an animal and using the basket to retrieve anobject 417 located inside said lumen 488.

The Embodiments of FIGS. 45-62

FIGS. 45-62 illustrate additional embodiments of a modular,easy-to-manufacture platform of systems for retrieving hard clots andother objects in animal lumens. In some embodiments, the system includesa proximal tube, a distal tube, and a plurality of memory metal stripsbetween the proximal and distal tubes. The plurality of memory metalstrips form a wide range of basket designs. Preferably, the proximaltube, memory metal strips, and distal tube are derived from a standard,off-the-shelf single tube of memory metal (e.g., nitinol), with theproximal tube and distal tube having the same inner diameter and outerdiameter as the native tube from which they were derived and with thebasket formed by cutting the middle portion of the native tube andexpanding and shape-setting this cut portion. Preferably, the proximaltube and distal tube have an outer diameter that is from about 0.02inches to about 0.03 inches (e.g., about 0.027 inches) so that thedevice fits inside a standard microcatheter and an inner diameter thatis from about 0.01 inches to about 0.02 inches. Preferably, there are nowelded or soldered parts between the proximal tube and distal tube,which makes the system easy and cheap to reliably manufacture. Thesystem also includes one or more catheters for deploying the system, apull wire that passes through the hollow interior of the proximal tube,and a coaxial tube. Preferably, the system includes two catheters—aguide catheter and a microcatheter. The coaxial tube envelopes the pullwire, is slideable along at least a segment of the pull wire, and isattached to the proximal hub/junction. The coaxial tube allows a user tomove the proximal hub/junction toward and away from the distalhub/junction while keeping the distal hub/junction stationary. Movementof the proximal hub/junction toward and away from the distalhub/junction causes conformational changes in the basket, including(depending on the basket design and the location of the proximal tube),collapsing the basket, expanding the basket, strengthening the basket,and moving the basket around the clot. The plurality of memory metalstrips attached to the proximal hub/junction include a plurality ofproximal tether memory metal strips, which have a proximal end attachedto the distal end of the proximal tube. The length and thickness of theproximal tether memory metal strips vary in the different embodimentsdescribed herein, which allows the surgical user to select from thevarious embodiments in the platform based on the features needed for theparticular operation (e.g., vessel anatomy and hardness of the clot).

In some embodiments, the disclosure provides a system for removingobjects within an interior lumen of an animal that includes

a pull wire having a proximal end, a distal end and a pull wirelongitudinal axis extending from said proximal end to said distal end;

a distal basket attached to said pull wire, said distal basketcomprising a proximal end, a distal end, a distal basket lengthextending from said distal basket proximal end to said distal end, adistal basket height perpendicular to said distal basket length and saidpull wire longitudinal axis, a proximal hub/junction located at saidproximal end of the distal basket, said proximal hub/junction comprisinga hollow interior, said pull wire passing through said proximalhub/junction hollow interior, said proximal hub/junction slideable alongat least a segment of the pull wire, a plurality of proximal tethermemory metal strips, a plurality of proximal cells defined by aplurality of proximal cell memory metal strips, each proximal cellcomprising a proximal crown located at the proximal end of the proximalcell and pointing generally in the proximal direction and a distal crownlocated at the distal end of the proximal cell and pointing generally inthe distal direction, each proximal tether memory metal strip having aproximal end attached to said proximal hub/junction, a distal endattached to a crown of a proximal cell and a length extending from saidproximal end to said distal end, a plurality of distal cells distal tothe proximal cells, and a distal hub/junction located at said distal endof said distal basket and comprising a hollow interior,

-   said distal basket having

a relaxed state in which said proximal hub/junction is located a firstdistance proximal to said proximal crowns and wherein said distal baskethas a first height, as measured at the proximal-most crown,

a gaping state in which said proximal hub/junction is located a seconddistance from said proximal crowns and wherein has a second height, asmeasured at the proximal-most crown, said second height greater thansaid first height, said second distance less than said first distance,

-   a proximal collapsed state in which said proximal hub/junction is    located a third distance proximal to said proximal crowns and    wherein said distal basket has a third height and a third width, as    measured at the proximal-most crown, said third distance greater    than said first distance, said third height less than said first    height,

a catheter having a hollow interior, a proximal end leading to saidinterior and a distal end leading to said interior, said cathetercomprised of a biocompatible material and configured to envelope saiddistal basket when said distal basket is in said proximal collapsedstate;

-   wherein said distal basket is configured to move from said relaxed    state to said gaping state by moving said proximal hub/junction    distally relative to said distal hub/junction; and

wherein said distal basket is configured to move from said expandedstate to said proximal collapsed state by moving said proximalhub/junction proximally relative to said distal hub/junction.

Optionally, the distal basket further comprises a distal collapsed statein which said proximal hub/junction is located distal to said proximalcrowns and wherein said distal basket has a fourth height, as measuredat the proximal-most crown, said fourth height less than said firstheight, wherein said catheter is configured to envelope said distalbasket when said distal basket is in said distal collapsed state, andfurther wherein said distal basket is configured to move from saidgaping state to said distal collapsed state by moving said proximalhub/junction distally relative to said distal hub/junction. Optionally,the system further includes a coaxial tube, said coaxial tube configuredto be received in said catheter, said coaxial tube having a proximalend, a distal end attached to said proximal hub/junction, and a hollowinterior, said pull wire passing through said coaxial tube hollowinterior, said coaxial tube slideable along at least a segment of saidpull wire. In some embodiments, said proximal tether memory metal stripsand said proximal cell memory metal strips each have a thickness andfurther wherein said thickness of said proximal tether memory metalstrips is between about 25 to about 75 percent of the thickness of theproximal cell memory metal strips. In such embodiments, the length ofthe proximal tether memory metal strips is between about 3 mm to about10 mm in the relaxed state. In some embodiments with thin proximaltether memory metal strips, the combined length of two of said proximaltether memory metal strips is within about 2 mm of said second height.In other embodiments with thin proximal tether memory metal strips, thecombined length of two of said proximal tether memory metal strips iswithin about 2 mm of said second height multiplied by a factor of two.

In other embodiments, the proximal tether memory metal strips are asthick or thicker than the memory metal strips forming the proximal cellsand in such embodiments, the length of the proximal tether memory metalstrips may be between about 10 mm and about 20 mm in the relaxed state.

Optionally, said pull wire extends from said distal basket proximal endto said distal basket distal end. Optionally, said pull wire is not incontact with said distal hub/junction. Optionally, in said gaping state,said proximal hub/junction is located parallel to said proximal crown.Optionally, said pull wire and said proximal hub/junction are offsetfrom the center of the distal basket height, as measured at theproximal-most crown. Optionally, all proximal crowns of said proximalcells are attached to a proximal tether memory metal strip. Optionally,said distal basket further comprises a plurality of strut memory metalstrips and plurality of distal cells defined by a plurality of distalmemory metal strips, said distal cells comprising a proximal crownlocated at a proximal end of said distal cells and a distal crownlocated at a distal end of said distal cells, said strut memory metalstrips having a proximal end attached to a distal crown of a proximalcell and a distal end attached to a proximal crown of a distal cell.Optionally, the distal basket comprises between two and four proximaltether memory metal strips. Optionally, said proximal memory metalstrips are integral with said proximal hub/junction. Optionally, saidproximal hub/junction is a tube, wherein said interior of said proximalhub/junction has a size and shape, and further wherein said size andshape of said proximal hub/junction interior are configured to prevent asegment of said pull wire distal relative to said proximal hub/junctionfrom moving through proximal hub/junction interior. Optionally, saiddistal hub/junction is a tube. Optionally, said distal hub/junction isattached to said pull wire such that said distal hub/junction is notslideable along said pull wire. Optionally, said distal basket furthercomprises a lead wire extending distally from said distal hub/junction.Optionally, said distal hub/junction, said proximal hub/junction, andsaid basket are comprised of a nitinol having the same materialcomposition. Optionally, said distal basket further comprises an x-raymarker that is more visible under x-ray as compared to the othercomponents when the distal basket is located in a cranial blood vesselinside the body of a human and the x-ray is taken from outside thehuman's body. Preferably, the x-ray marker is a radiopaque material.Some examples of radiopaque materials can include, but are not limitedto, gold, platinum, palladium, tantalum, tungsten alloy, polymermaterial loaded with radiopaque filler, and the like. Preferably, thecomponents are comprised of nitinol and the x-ray marker is comprised ofa material having a density greater than the nitinol. Optionally, saidproximal and said distal hubs/junctions are generally cylindrical inshape and each has an outer diameter and an inner diameter, the innerdiameter forming apertures of the proximal and distal hubs/junctions andfurther wherein the outer diameters of the proximal and distalhubs/junctions are substantially the same size and further wherein theinner diameters of the proximal and distal hubs/junctions aresubstantially the same size. Optionally, the outer diameters of theproximal and distal hubs/junctions are from about 0.011 inches to about0.054 inches, and further wherein the inner diameters of the proximaland distal hubs/junctions are from about 0.008 inches to about 0.051inches. Optionally, the proximal tube and distal tube have an outerdiameter that is from about 0.02 inches to about 0.03 inches and aninner diameter that is from about 0.01 inches to about 0.02 inches.Optionally, the pull wire is generally cylindrical and further whereinthe diameter of the pull wire is between about 0.008 inches and about0.051 inches. Optionally, the first height is between about 2millimeters and about 8 millimeters. Optionally, said proximal tethermemory metal strips rotate about said pull wire longitudinal axis suchthat a distal end of a proximal tether memory metal strip is locatedbetween about 90 and about 270 degrees relative to said proximal end ofthe same proximal tether memory metal strip.

The present disclosure also provides a method of removing an object froman interior lumen of an animal, said lumen having an interior wallforming said lumen. In some embodiments, the method includes:

a) providing the system described above;

b) positioning the system in said lumen, said basket located in saidcatheter in a collapsed state;

c) deploying said distal basket from said distal end of said catheter sothat said proximal crowns of said proximal cells are distal to saidobstruction;

d) allowing said distal basket to move to said relaxed state;

e) moving said proximal hub/junction distally relative to said distalhub/junction so that said distal basket height, as measured at theproximal-most crown, increase;

f) moving said distal basket over said obstruction; and

g) removing said distal basket and said obstruction from said lumen.

Optionally, the interior lumen is an intracranial artery and saidobstruction is a blood clot. Optionally, the method further comprisesusing said blood clot to move said proximal hub/junction distallyrelative to said distal hub/junction and allow said distal basket tomove to said gaping state. Optionally, the method further comprisesusing a coaxial tube to push said proximal hub/junction distallyrelative to said distal hub/junction and allow said distal basket tomove to said gaping state. Optionally, the method further includes,after step e, moving said proximal hub/junction relative to said distalhub/junction so that said distal basket height, as measured at theproximal-most crown, decrease. Optionally, after step e, said pull wireand said proximal hub/junction are offset with respect to the center ofsaid distal basket height, as measured at the proximal-most crown, asmeasured at the proximal-most crown, and the center of said lumen.

The present disclosure also provides a system for removing objectswithin an interior lumen of an animal, the system comprising:

a pull wire having a proximal end, a distal end and a pull wirelongitudinal axis extending from said proximal end to said distal end;

a proximal basket attached to said pull wire, said proximal basketcomprising a proximal end, a distal end, a proximal basket lengthextending from said proximal basket proximal end to said distal end, aproximal basket height perpendicular to said proximal basket length andsaid pull wire longitudinal axis, a proximal tube located at saidproximal end of the proximal basket, said proximal tube comprising ahollow interior, said pull wire passing through said hollow interior andsaid proximal tube slideable along at least a segment of said pull wire,a plurality of rows of cells, each cell defined by a plurality of memorymetal strips, each cell comprising a proximal crown located at theproximal end of the proximal cell and pointing generally in the proximaldirection and a distal crown located at the distal end of the proximalcell and pointing generally in the distal direction,

a distal basket attached to said pull wire, said distal basketcomprising a proximal end, a distal end, a distal basket lengthextending from said distal basket proximal end to said distal end, adistal basket height perpendicular to said distal basket length and saidpull wire longitudinal axis, a distal tube located at said distal end ofthe distal basket, said distal tube comprising a hollow interior, aplurality of rows of cells, each cell defined by a plurality of memorymetal strips, each cell comprising a proximal crown located at theproximal end of the proximal cell and pointing generally in the proximaldirection and a distal crown located at the distal end of the proximalcell and pointing generally in the distal direction,

a plurality of tether memory metal strips, each tether memory metalstrip having a proximal end attached to a distal crown of a cell locatedat the distal end of said proximal basket and a distal end attached to aproximal crown of a cell located at the proximal end of said distalbasket, said proximal basket having

a relaxed state wherein said proximal basket has a first height asmeasured at the distal-most crown, and said proximal hub/junction islocated a first distance proximal to said distal hub/junction;

-   a collapsed state wherein said proximal basket has a second height,    as measured at the distal-most crown, said second height less than    said first height;

a gaping state wherein said proximal basket has a third height, asmeasured at the distal-most crown, and said proximal hub/junction islocated a second distance proximal to said distal hub/junction, saidthird height greater than said first height and said second distanceless than said first distance,

-   said proximal basket configured to move from said expanded state to    said gaping state by pushing said proximal tube distally relative to    said distal tube;-   said distal basket having

a relaxed state wherein said distal basket has a first height and

a collapsed state wherein said distal basket has a second height, saidsecond height less than said first height, and

a catheter having an interior, a proximal end leading to said interiorand a distal end leading to said interior, said catheter comprised of abiocompatible material and configured to envelope said distal and saidproximal basket when said baskets are in said collapsed state.

Optionally, said proximal tether memory metal strips rotate about saidpull wire longitudinal axis such that a distal end of a proximal tethermemory metal strip is located between about 90 and about 270 degreesrelative to said proximal end of the same proximal tether memory metalstrip.

In some embodiments, the system does not include a proximal hub/junctionand the system includes soft cords in place of or in addition to theproximal memory metal strips. For example, in one embodiment, the systemincludes:

a pull wire having a proximal end, a distal end and a pull wirelongitudinal axis extending from said proximal end to said distal end;

a coaxial tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a hollowinterior, said pull wire passing through said coaxial tube hollowinterior, said coaxial tube slideable along at least a segment of saidpull wire;

a distal basket attached to said pull wire and said coaxial tube, saiddistal basket comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a distal basketlength extending from said distal basket proximal end to said distalend, a distal basket height perpendicular to said distal basket lengthand said pull wire longitudinal axis, a plurality of cords, a pluralityof proximal cells defined by a plurality of proximal cell memory metalstrips, each proximal cell comprising a proximal crown located at theproximal end of the proximal cell and pointing generally in the proximaldirection and a distal crown located at the distal end of the proximalcell and pointing generally in the distal direction, each cord having aproximal end attached to said coaxial tube, a distal end attached to acrown of a proximal cell and a length extending from said proximal endto said distal end, a plurality of distal cells distal to the proximalcells, and a distal hub/junction located at said distal end of saiddistal basket and comprising a hollow interior,

-   said distal basket having

a relaxed state in which said coaxial tube is located a first distanceproximal to said proximal crowns and wherein said distal basket, asmeasured at the proximal-most crown, has a first height,

a proximal collapsed state in which said coaxial tube is located asecond distance proximal to said proximal crowns and wherein said distalbasket, as measured at the proximal-most crown, has a second height,said second distance greater than said first distance, said secondheight less than said first height,

a catheter having a hollow interior, a proximal end leading to saidinterior and a distal end leading to said interior, said cathetercomprised of a biocompatible material and configured to envelope saidcoaxial tube and said distal basket when said distal basket is in saidproximal collapsed state;

wherein said distal basket is configured to move from said relaxed stateto said proximal collapsed state by moving said coaxial tube proximallyrelative to said distal hub/junction.

Optionally, the distal basket further comprises a distal collapsed statein which said coaxial tube is located distal to said proximal crowns andwherein said distal basket, as measured at the proximal-most crown, hasa third height, said third height less than said first height, whereinsaid catheter is configured to envelope said distal basket when saiddistal basket is in said distal collapsed state, and further whereinsaid distal basket is configured to move from said relaxed state to saiddistal collapsed state by moving said coaxial tub distally relative tosaid distal hub/junction. Optionally said cord is comprised of amaterial selected from the group consisting of plastic, rubber, nylon,sututre material, and braided catheter material. Optionally, said cordsare integral with said coaxial sheath. Optionally, said cords are gluedto said coaxial sheath. Optionally, said cords are shrink wrapped tosaid coaxial sheath. Optionally, said cords have a thickness of fromabout 0.001 to about 0.1 inches (more preferably about 0.004 to about0.018 inches) and have a length of from about 3 mm to about 20 mm insaid relaxed state. Optionally, said pull wire extends from said distalbasket proximal end to said distal basket distal end and said pull wireis attached to said distal hub/junction. Optionally, all proximal crownsof said proximal cells are attached to a cord. Optionally, the basketcomprises four proximal cells, each proximal cell having a proximalcrown, and not all (e.g., only two) of the proximal crowns are attachedto a cord. Optionally, said distal basket further comprises a pluralityof strut memory metal strips and plurality of distal cells defined by aplurality of distal memory metal strips, said distal cells comprising aproximal crown located at a proximal end of said distal cells and adistal crown located at a distal end of said distal cells, said strutmemory metal strips having a proximal end attached to a distal crown ofa proximal cell and a distal end attached to a proximal crown of adistal cell. Optionally, the distal basket comprises between two andfour cords. Optionally, said distal hub/junction is attached to saidpull wire such that said distal hub/junction is not slideable along saidpull wire. Optionally, said distal basket further comprises a lead wireextending distally from said distal hub/junction. Optionally, saiddistal hub/junction and said basket are comprised of a nitinol havingthe same material composition. Optionally, said distal basket and/orsaid coaxial tube further comprises an x-ray marker that is more visibleunder x-ray as compared to the other components when the distal basketis located in a cranial blood vessel inside the body of a human and thex-ray is taken from outside the human's body. Preferably, the x-raymarker is a radiopaque material. Some examples of radiopaque materialscan include, but are not limited to, gold, platinum, palladium,tantalum, tungsten alloy, polymer material loaded with radiopaquefiller, and the like. Preferably, the components are comprised ofnitinol and the x-ray marker is comprised of a material having a densitygreater than the nitinol. Optionally, said distal hub/junction isgenerally cylindrical in shape and has an outer diameter and an innerdiameter, the inner diameter forming the aperture of the distalhub/junction and further wherein the outer diameter of the distalhub/junction from about 0.011 inches to about 0.054 inches, and furtherwherein the inner diameter of the distal hub/junction is from about0.008 inches to about 0.051 inches. Optionally, the distal tube has anouter diameter that is from about 0.02 inches to about 0.03 inches andan inner diameter that is from about 0.01 inches to about 0.02 inches.Optionally, the pull wire is generally cylindrical and further whereinthe diameter of the pull wire is between about 0.008 inches and about0.051 inches. Optionally, the first height of the distal basket, asmeasured at the proximal-most crown, is between about 2 millimeters andabout 8 millimeters. Optionally, said cords are soft.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method ofremoving an object from an interior lumen of an animal, said lumenhaving an interior wall forming said lumen, the method comprising thesteps of:

a) providing the system described above;

b) positioning the system in said lumen, said basket located in saidcatheter in a collapsed state;

c) deploying said distal basket from said distal end of said catheter sothat said proximal crowns of said proximal cells are distal to saidobstruction;

d) allowing said distal basket to move to said relaxed state;

e) moving said coaxial tube distally relative to said distalhub/junction so that said coaxial tube moves distally to theproximal-most crown;

f) moving said distal basket, said pull wire and said coaxial tubeproximally so that said distal basket moves over said obstruction;

g) moving said coaxial sheath distally relative to said distalhub/junction so that said distal basket height, as measured at theproximal-most crown, decreases and said coaxial tube is closer to saiddistal hub/junction as compared to the proximal-most crown; and

i) removing said distal basket and said obstruction from said lumen.

In other embodiments, the method includes

a) providing the system described above;

b) positioning the system in said lumen, said basket located in saidcatheter in a collapsed state;

c) deploying said distal basket from said distal end of said catheter sothat said proximal crowns of said proximal cells are distal to saidobstruction;

d) allowing said distal basket to move to said relaxed state;

e) moving said coaxial tube distally relative to said distalhub/junction so that said coaxial tube moves distally to theproximal-most crown;

f) moving said distal basket, said pull wire and said coaxial tubeproximally so that said distal basket moves over said obstruction;

g) moving said coaxial sheath proximally relative to said distalhub/junction so that said distal basket height, as measured at theproximal-most crown, decreases;

h) moving said catheter distally relative to said distal hub/junction sothat said catheter re-sheaths said coaxial sheath and partiallyre-sheaths said cords, thereby decreasing said distal basket height, asmeasured at the proximal-most crown;

i) removing said distal basket and said obstruction from said lumen.

Optionally, said interior lumen is an intracranial artery and saidobstruction is a blood clot.

In other embodiments that do not include a proximal hub/junction, thesystem includes

a pull wire having a proximal end, a distal end and a pull wirelongitudinal axis extending from said proximal end to said distal end;

a coaxial tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a hollowinterior, said pull wire passing through said coaxial tube hollowinterior, said coaxial tube slideable along at least a segment of saidpull wire;

a distal basket attached to said pull wire and said coaxial tube, saiddistal basket comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a distal basketlength extending from said distal basket proximal end to said distalend, a distal basket height perpendicular to said distal basket lengthand said pull wire longitudinal axis, a plurality of proximal tethermemory metal strips, a plurality of cords, a plurality of proximal cellsdefined by a plurality of proximal cell memory metal strips, eachproximal cell comprising a proximal crown located at the proximal end ofthe proximal cell and pointing generally in the proximal direction and adistal crown located at the distal end of the proximal cell and pointinggenerally in the distal direction, each proximal tether memory metalstrip having a proximal end attached to said coaxial tube and a distalend, each cord having a proximal end attached to a distal end of aproximal tether memory metal strip and a distal end attached to a crownof a proximal cell and a length extending from said proximal end to saiddistal end, and a plurality of distal cells distal to the proximalcells, and a distal hub/junction located at said distal end of saiddistal basket and comprising a hollow interior,

-   said distal basket having

a relaxed state in which said distal basket, as measured at theproximal-most crown, has a first height,

a collapsed state in which said distal basket, as measured at theproximal-most crown, has a second height, said second height less thansaid first height,

a catheter having a hollow interior, a proximal end leading to saidinterior and a distal end leading to said interior, said cathetercomprised of a biocompatible material and configured to envelope saidcoaxial tube and said distal basket when said distal basket is in saidcollapsed state.

Optionally, said cord is comprised of a material selected from the groupconsisting of plastic, rubber, nylon, suture material, and braidedcatheter material. Optionally, said proximal tether memory metal stripsare integral with said coaxial sheath. Optionally, said cords are gluedto said proximal tether memory metal strips. Optionally, said cords areshrink wrapped to said proximal tether memory metal strips. Optionally,said cords have a thickness of from about 0.004 to about 0.1 inches(more preferably about 0.004 inches to about 0.018 inches) and furtherwherein said cords have a length of from about 3 mm to about 20 mm insaid relaxed state. Optionally, said pull wire extends from said distalbasket proximal end to said distal basket distal end and said pull wireis attached to said distal hub/junction. Optionally, all proximal crownsof said proximal cells are attached to a cord. Optionally, the basketcomprises four proximal cells, each proximal cell having a proximalcrown, and not all (e.g., only two) of the proximal crowns are attachedto a cord. Optionally, said distal basket further comprises a pluralityof strut memory metal strips and plurality of distal cells defined by aplurality of distal memory metal strips, said distal cells comprising aproximal crown located at a proximal end of said distal cells and adistal crown located at a distal end of said distal cells, said strutmemory metal strips having a proximal end attached to a distal crown ofa proximal cell and a distal end attached to a proximal crown of adistal cell. Optionally, the distal basket comprises between two andfour cords. Optionally, said distal hub/junction is attached to saidpull wire such that said distal hub/junction is not slideable along saidpull wire. Optionally, said distal basket further comprises a lead wireextending distally from said distal hub/junction. Optionally, saiddistal hub/junction and said basket are comprised of a nitinol havingthe same material composition. Optionally, said distal basket and/orsaid coaxial tube further comprises an x-ray marker that is more visibleunder x-ray as compared to the other components when the distal basketis located in a cranial blood vessel inside the body of a human and thex-ray is taken from outside the human's body. Preferably, the x-raymarker is a radiopaque material. Some examples of radiopaque materialscan include, but are not limited to, gold, platinum, palladium,tantalum, tungsten alloy, polymer material loaded with radiopaquefiller, and the like. Preferably, the components are comprised ofnitinol and the x-ray marker is comprised of a material having a densitygreater than the nitinol. Optionally, said distal hub/junction isgenerally cylindrical in shape and has an outer diameter and an innerdiameter, the inner diameter forming the aperture of the distalhub/junction and further wherein the outer diameter of the distalhub/junction from about 0.011 inches to about 0.054 inches, and furtherwherein the inner diameter of the distal hub/junction is from about0.008 inches to about 0.051 inches. Optionally, the distal tube has anouter diameter that is from about 0.02 inches to about 0.03 inches andan inner diameter that is from about 0.01 inches to about 0.02 inches.Optionally the pull wire is generally cylindrical and further whereinthe diameter of the pull wire is between about 0.008 inches and about0.051 inches. Optionally, the first height of the distal basket, asmeasured at the proximal-most crown, is between about 2 millimeters andabout 8 millimeters. Optionally, the cords are soft.

In some embodiments, the above system is used in a method of removing anobject from an interior lumen of an animal, said lumen having aninterior wall forming said lumen that includes

a) providing the above system;

b) positioning the system in said lumen, said basket located in saidcatheter in a collapsed state;

c) deploying said distal basket from said distal end of said catheter sothat said proximal crowns of said proximal cells are distal to saidobstruction, said coaxial sheath is proximal to said obstruction, saidproximal tether memory metal strips are proximal to said obstruction,and said cords are adjacent to said obstruction;

d) allowing said distal basket to move to said relaxed state;

e) moving said coaxial tube distally relative to said distalhub/junction so that said proximal tether memory metal strips movedistally relative to the proximal-most crown and said obstruction issandwiched between said proximal tether memory metal strips and saidproximal crowns of said proximal cells;

f) removing said distal basket and said obstruction from said lumen.

Optionally said interior lumen is an intracranial artery and saidobstruction is a blood clot.

With reference to FIGS. 45-62 the present disclosure provides adeployable system, generally designated by the numeral 610, for removingan obstruction such as a blood clot 617 or other object from a bloodvessel 688 or other interior lumen of an animal. In addition to a bloodclot 617, the obstruction may be, for example, extruded coils duringaneurysm treatment, intravascular embolic material such as onyx or otherobstructions requiring mechanical intravascular removal from smalldistal vessels. In the drawings, not all reference numbers are includedin each drawing for the sake of clarity.

One example of a deployable basket system 610 is shown in FIGS. 46A-46E,47G-47H and 50A. As shown in FIGS. 46A-46E, 47G-47H and 50A, the system610 includes a pull wire 643 having a proximal end 645, a distal end 644and a pull wire longitudinal axis 646 extending from said proximal end645 to said distal end 644. Optionally, the diameter of the pull wire643 is between about 0.008 inches and about 0.051 inches.

The system 610 further includes a distal basket 611 attached to saidpull wire 643, said distal basket 611 comprising a proximal end 669, adistal end 665, a distal basket length 667 extending from said distalbasket proximal end 669 to said distal end 665, a distal basket height661 perpendicular to said distal basket length 667 and said pull wirelongitudinal axis 646, a proximal hub/junction 639 located at saidproximal end 669 of the distal basket 611, said proximal hub/junction639 comprising a hollow interior 641, said pull wire 643 passing throughsaid proximal hub/junction hollow interior 641, said proximalhub/junction 639 slideable along at least a segment of the pull wire643, a plurality of proximal tether memory metal strips 657, a pluralityof proximal cells 636 defined by a plurality of proximal cell memorymetal strips 666, each proximal cell 636 comprising a proximal crown 638located at the proximal end of the proximal cell 636 and pointinggenerally in the proximal direction and a distal crown 624 located atthe distal end of the proximal cell 636 and pointing generally in thedistal direction, each proximal tether memory metal strip 657 having aproximal end 655 attached to said proximal hub/junction 639, a distalend 663 attached to a crown of a proximal cell 638 and a length 655extending from said proximal end 655 to said distal end 653, a pluralityof distal cells 622 distal to the proximal cells 636, and a distalhub/junction 625 located at said distal end 665 of said distal basketand comprising a hollow interior 627. Preferably, the proximalhub/junction 639 and distal hub/junction 625 are hollow tubes formedfrom the same tube of memory metal, as described below. In someembodiments, the basket 611 includes a first row of two, three, or fourcrowns (i.e., the proximal crowns 638 of the proximal cells 638) andthen subsequent repeating rows of twice as many crowns as compared tothe number of proximal crowns 638 (i.e., four, six, or eight crowns)along the basket length 667.

The system further includes a guide catheter 630 and a microcatheter632, which is wider and shorter than the guide catheter 630, so that themicrocatheter 632 can fit inside the guide catheter 630. Themicrocatheter 632 has a hollow interior 615, a proximal end 616 leadingto said interior 615 and a distal end 614 leading to said interior 615.The microcatheter 632 is comprised of a biocompatible material. As usedherein, the terms “guide catheter”, “microcatheter” and “catheter”generally refers to any suitable tube through which the system 610 canbe deployed. Preferably, the catheters are sterile and comprised of abiocompatible material (i.e., a material that does not irritate thehuman body during the course of a 45 minute operation that involvesusing the system 610 to remove a clot 617 from an intracranial bloodvessel 688). The catheter can be any suitable shape, including but notlimited to generally cylindrical. For purposes of the present invention,when it is said that the catheter envelopes the system 610, it will beunderstood that the catheter envelopes at least one component of thesystem 610 (preferably, the distal basket 611, the lead wire 631, whichis a wire that extends distally from the pull wire 643, and the pullwire 643). In some embodiments, the microcatheter 632 is about 2.5French in diameter. Optionally, the catheter is delivered to the regionof the lumen that has the obstruction 617 as follows: a guide wire isdelivered to the obstruction region past the obstruction 617; thecatheter is delivered over the guide wire; the guide wire is removed;and the system 610 is delivered with its pull wire 643 and lead wire 631through the catheter. Optionally, the pull wire 643 is used to push thesystem 610 through the catheter as well as to retrieve the distal basket611 after capturing the obstruction 617 as described below. The system610 may utilize a plurality of catheters as described above, such as,for example, a wider catheter that travels to the brain and a veryflexible, smaller diameter microcatheter that is delivered from thefirst catheter and travels through the small arteries of the brain.

Preferably, a coaxial tube 618, which has a hollow interior 620 and isslideable along at least a portion of the pull wire 643 is attached tothe proximal hub/junction 639.

FIG. 46A shows the distal basket 611 collapsed inside a microcatheter632. The distal basket 611 is in what's referred to as the proximalcollapsed state. In this state, the system 610 is able to be locatedinside the microcatheter 632 and the basket height 661 is collapsed. Forpurposes of the present invention, the basket height 661 generallyrefers to the height at a particular location (e.g., at theproximal-most crown 638 of the distal basket 611 or the distal-mostcrown 623 of the proximal basket 633), it being understood that theheight of the distal basket 611 and proximal basket 633 may vary alongthe distal basket length 667 and the length of the proximal basket 633.

In FIG. 46A, the proximal hub/junction 639 is located a maximum distancefrom the distal hub/junction 625. The distance from the proximalhub/junction 639 to the distal hub/junction 625 changes by exertingforce on the proximal hub/junction 639, as described herein, and thedistance is shown in the drawings using the numeral 663. This distanceis also generally equal to the length of the basket 667, as shown.

FIG. 46B shows the same basket system as FIG. 46A, except that thebasket 611 has been deployed from the distal end 614 of themicrocatheter 632 by pulling the microcatheter 632 proximally. As shownin FIG. 46B, the basket 611 is now in a relaxed state and the basketheight 661 has increased. In the relaxed state exemplified, the proximaltube 639 is located a short distance 629 proximal to the proximal-mostcrown 638. In addition, the basket length 667 and the distance 663between the proximal and distal hubs/junctions 639 and 625 has decreasedas the basket 611 has relaxed. In addition, the user has moved thecoaxial tube 618 proximally relative to the pull wire 643 as shown bythe line in the lower part of FIG. 46B, which indicates that thedistance between the proximal stop 664 and the coaxial tube proximal end621 has increased from FIG. 46A to FIG. 46B. The present invention mayutilize a variety of stops, such as a proximal stop 664, which is anybarrier that prevents the coaxial tube 618 from moving proximally beyondthe proximal stop 664. In some forms, the proximal stop 664 is merely anenlargement or x-ray marker 658 in the pull wire 643 that is tallerand/or wider than the open coxial tube interior 620 (i.e., the innerdiameter of the coaxial tube 618). Instead of stops or in addition tostops, the pull wire 643 may be etched to provide guidance to thesurgeon on the distance to push and pull the coaxial tube 618.

FIG. 46C exemplifies what is referred to as the gaping state of thebasket 611. To move the basket 611 from the relaxed state to the gapingstate, a user merely pushes the proximal hub/junction 639 distallytowards the stationary distal hub/junction 625. This causes the proximaltether memory metal strips 657 to increase the height 661 of the distalbasket 611 at the proximal-most crown 638. The proximal tether memorymetal strips 657 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 46, 47 and 50 arerelatively short. The proximal tether memory metal strips 657 arerelatively thin compared to the memory metal strips 666 that make up theproximal cells 636, which makes the proximal tether memory metal strips657 easy to bend. Preferably, in the gaping state of short, relativelythin proximal tether memory metal strips 657, the proximal memory metalstrips 657 are substantially perpendicular (e.g., about 75 to about 105degrees) relative to the longitudinal axis of the pull wire 646.

FIG. 46D exemplifies what is referred to as the distal collapsed state.To move the basket 611 from the gaping state to the distal collapsedstate, a user merely pushes the proximal hub/junction 639 distallytowards the stationary distal hub/junction 625. This causes the proximaltether memory metal strips 657 to reduce the height 661 of the distalbasket at the proximal-most crown 638, which in certain embodiments,allows the user to recapture the system 610 in the microcatheter 632.This is particularly helpful if the system 610 was deployed at the wronglocation. Preferably, the pull wire 643 includes a distal stop 660,which prevents the proximal hub/junction 39 from moving too far distallyand breaking.

FIG. 46E also exemplifies the proximal collapsed state. To move thebasket 611 from the relaxed state to the proximal collapsed state, auser merely pulls the proximal hub/junction 639 away from the stationarydistal hub/junction 625. This causes the proximal tether memory metalstrips 657 to reduce the height 661 of the distal basket at theproximal-most crown 638, which in certain embodiments, allows the userto recapture the system 610 in the microcatheter 632. This isparticularly helpful if the system 610 was deployed at the wronglocation. Preferably, the pull wire 643 includes a middle stop 655,which prevents the proximal hub/junction 639 from moving too farproximally.

FIG. 47 illustrates use of the basket system shown in FIG. 46 in anintracranial artery 688. As shown in FIG. 47A, first the guide catheter630 is deployed proximal to the clot 617. The microcather 632 is thenadvanced distally beyond the clot 617. The basket 611 is collapsedinside the microcatheter 632. Next, as shown in FIG. 47B, themicrocatheter 632 is moved proximally to deploy the basket 611 distal tothe clot 617. The basket 611 is now in the relaxed state. Next, as shownin FIG. 47C, the user continues to move the microcatheter 632proximally. Then, as shown in FIG. 47D, the basket 611 is moved closerto the clot 617 by a user pulling the pull wire 643 and coaxial tube 618proximally at the same time. Then, as shown in FIG. 47E, the user usesthe coaxial tube 618 to move the proximal hub/junction 639 toward thedistal hub/junction 625 so that the basket 611 is in the gaping state.The gaping state is particularly important, as it believed to allow thebasket 611 to capture the clot 617 without having the clot 617 collapsethe basket 611. Then, as shown in FIG. 47F, the basket 611 is movedproximally over the clot 617. Then, as shown in FIG. 47G, the coaxialtube 618 is moved further proximally to close the proximal end 669around the clot 617. The system 611 is moved proximally by moving thepull wire 643 and the coaxial tube 618 proximally simultaneously.

FIG. 50A shows a close-up view of the proximal end of the basket 611,including the proximal tube interior 641, the attachment of the proximaltether memory metal strips 657 at the distal end 655 of the proximalhub/junction 639, and the proximal crowns 638 of the proximal cells 636.In FIG. 50A, all proximal crowns 638 of the proximal cells 636 areattached to a proximal tether memory metal strip 657. FIG. 50Billustrates an alternative embodiment in which two proximal crowns 638 aof a proximal cell 636 (the top and bottom crowns 638 a) are attached toa proximal tether memory metal strip 657 and one proximal crown 638 b ofa proximal cell 636 is not attached to a proximal tether memory metalstrip 657. FIGS. 50C—50E illustrate that the basket system may include,for example, between 2 and 4 proximal tether memory metal strips 657.

FIG. 56 illustrates a side, perspective view of a basket system 610 withrelatively thick and short proximal tether memory metal strips 657(i.e., the proximal tether memory metal strips 657 are slightly thickerthan the memory metal strips 666 making up the proximal cells 636.

In, FIG. 57 the proximal tether memory metal strips 657 are thicker thanthe memory metal strips 666 forming the proximal cells 636 of the distalbasket 611. In these embodiments with thicker proximal tether memorymetal strips 657, the proximal tether memory metal strips 657 resistdeforming when the proximal hub/junction 635 is translated distallytoward the stationary distal hub/junction 629 and instead the proximaltether memory metal strips 657 are bowed out laterally, dissectingthrough or around the clot 617 and centering, buttressing andstrengthening the opening of the basket 611. In particular, asillustrated in FIG. 57A, the basket 611 is deployed distal to the clot617. The basket 611 is move distally so that the clot 617 partiallycollapses the proximal tether memory metal strips 657. See FIG. 57B. Theproximal hub/junction 614C is moved distally to slice the proximaltether memory metal strips 657 through the clot 617. See FIG. 57C. Thebasket 611 is moved proximally to ensare the clot 617. See FIG.57. Thetether proximal memory metal strips 657 are partially withdrawn into themicrocatheter 632 and the system is removed from the body. See FIG. 57E.

FIG. 51 illustrates a similar to basket system 610 to FIGS. 46, 47 and50. In FIG. 51, the proximal tether memory metal strips 657 arerelatively thin and short and the proximal memory metal strips making upthe remainder of the basket are thickest at the proximal-most crown 38and decrease gradually along the distal basket length 667.

FIG. 52 illustrates a similar to basket system 610 to FIGS. 46, 47, 50,and 51. Again, the proximal tether memory metal strips 657 arerelatively thin and short. In this embodiment, the length 654A of thefirst proximal memory metal strip 657A and the length 654B of the secondproximal memory metal strip 657B are equal to the height 661 of thebasket 611 in the relaxed state, as measured at the proximal-most crown638, plus or minus two mm. Thus, if for example, the height of thevessel 688 is 4 mm and the length of the proximal tether memory metalstrips is 3 mm, the height 661 of the basket 611 as measured at theproximal-most crown 638 could be 4 mm. This is believed to allow thebasket 611 in the gaping state to fill the vessel 688.

FIG. 48 illustrates another embodiment of the basket system 610. In thisembodiment, the pull wire 643 does not extend through the entire basket611 but rather ends at distal stop 660. As compared to the embodiment ofFIGS. 46, 47 and 50, the proximal tether memory metal strips 657 of theembodiment of FIG. 48 are about the same thickness as the thickness 656of the proximal cell memory metal strips 666, which makes the basket 611relatively rigid and the proximal tether memory metal strips 657relatively inflexible, which may be desired for certain applications. Asshown, moving the basket 611 from the relaxed state (see FIG. 48A) tothe gaping state by moving the coaxial tube 618 proximally does notgreatly enhance the basket height 661 in this embodiment due to therigidity.

FIGS. 49A-49C illustrate stepwise deployment and use of a basket system610 with three relatively thin and short proximal tether memory metalstrips 657; the system 610 is deployed in a blood vessel 688 to retrievea clot 617.

FIG. 53 illustrates another embodiment of the basket system 610. In thisembodiment, the proximal tether memory metal strips 657 are relativelythin (like the embodiment of FIGS. 46, 47 and 50) but longer than theFIGS. 46, 47, and 50 prior embodiment. This length allows the basket 611to open asymmetrically around the clot 617 (see FIG. 53C), which ishelpful if the microcatheter 632 and pull wire 643 are pushed againstthe vessel 688 wall by the clot 617. As shown in FIG. 53B, the length654A of the first proximal tether memory metal strip 657A also may betwo times the height 661 of the basket 611, as measured at theproximal-most crown 638 plus or minus 2 mm and the length 654B of thesecond proximal tether memory metal strip 657B may be two times theheight 661 of the basket 611 plus or minus 2 mm. Thus, for example, ifthe vessel 688 has a height of 4 mm and the length 654A and 654B of theproximal tether memory metal strips 657A and 657B are 7 mm each, theheight 661 of the distal basket 611 as measured at the proximal-mostcrown may be set to for example 4 mm in the relaxed state.

It will be noted that the proximal end of the system 610 is shown at thebottom end of FIGS. 45-62 and the distal end of the system 610 is shownat the top end of FIGS. 45-62 because a principal use of the system 610is to remove a blood clot 617 from a human intracranial artery 688, inwhich case the system 610 generally will enter the artery 688 at itsproximal end by the surgeon entering the patient's body near the groinand pushing the catheter 632 towards the brain. The diameter of humanarteries 688 generally decrease from their proximal end to their distalend. However, when used in other types of lumens, the distal basket 611may be located proximally relative to the catheter 632 as the termproximally and distally are used in that lumen.

FIG. 54 illustrates another embodiment of a basket system 611. In thisembodiment, the system 611 includes a proximal hub/junction 639 that isslideable towards a distal hub/junction 625 (similar to the priorembodiments). The difference is that the tether memory metal strips 657actually join the proximal basket 633 and the distal basket 611. Moreparticularly, the proximal basket 633 is comprised of a plurality ofproximal cells 636 attached to the proximal hub/junction 639 and aplurality of distal cells 622 and the distal basket is comprised of aplurality of proximal cells 636 attached to the proximal hub/junction639 and a plurality of distal cells 622 and the tether memory metalstrips 657 join a distal crown 623 of a distal cell 622 of the distalbasket 611 with a proximal crown 638 of a proximal cell 636 of theproximal basket 633. As shown, in FIG. 54B, movement of the proximalhub/junction 639 toward the distal hub/junction 625 increases the height634 of the proximal basket 633 as measured at the distal-most crown 623of the distal basket 611.

FIGS. 55 A and 55B illustrate an embodiment of the proximal tethermemory metal strips 657 rotating about said pull wire longitudinal axis646 such that the distal end 653 of a proximal tether memory metal strip657 is located between about 90 and about 270 degrees relative to saidproximal end 655 of the same proximal tether memory metal strip 657. Inaddition, the proximal tether memory metal strips 657 may rotate aroundtheir longitudinal axis 654 such that a distal end 653 of a proximaltether memory metal strip 657 rotates about 90 and about 270 degreesaround this tether longitudinal axis 654 from the distal end 653 to theproximal end 655 of the same proximal memory metal strip 657. FIG. 55Cillustrates an exemplary embodiment, where the proximal end 655A of thefirst proximal tether memory metal strip 657A is located attached to theproximal tube 639 at the 12 o'clock position and the distal end 653A ofthe same proximal tether memory metal strip 657A is attached to aproximal-most crown 639 at the 9 o'clock position. In addition, thesecond proximal tether memory metal strip 657B is located attached tothe proximal tube 639 at the 6 o'clock position and the distal end 653Bof the same proximal tether memory metal strip 657 b is attached to theother proximal-most crown 639 at the 3 o'clock position. FIGS. 55D and55E illustrate a similar embodiment with the proximal tether memorymetal strips 657A and 657B rotating 180 degrees. FIG. 55D illustrates anexemplary embodiment, where the proximal end 655A of the first proximaltether memory metal strip 657A is located attached to the proximal tube639 at the 12 o'clock position and the distal end 653A of the sameproximal tether memory metal strip 657A is attached to a proximal-mostcrown 639 at the 6 o'clock position. In addition, the second proximaltether memory metal strip 657B is located attached to the proximal tube639 at the 6 o'clock position and the distal end 653B of the sameproximal tether memory metal strip 657 b is attached to the otherproximal-most crown 639 at the 12 o'clock position.

In some embodiments, the basket system 610 is prepared by a process thatincludes one or more of the following steps, as illustrated in FIG. 45:

a) providing a single tube 668 comprised of a memory metal such asnitinol, the single tube 668 having an exterior, a substantially hollowinterior, a wall 682 separating the exterior from the substantiallyhollow interior, an open proximal end 674, an open distal end 676, amiddle portion 678 between the open proximal end 674 and the open distalend 676 (see FIG. 45A);

b) cutting the wall of the middle portion 678 with a laser 680 (see FIG.45B);

c) removing the pieces of the middle portion cut by the laser 680 toform a basket system 610 comprising a proximal tube 639 comprising ahollow interior 641 extending through said proximal tube 639, saidproximal tube having a proximal end 642 and a distal end 640, a distaltube 625 comprising a hollow interior 641 extending through said distaltube 625, and a middle portion 678 located between said proximal tube639 and said distal tube 625 and comprising a plurality of proximaltether memory metal strips 657, each proximal tether memory metal strip657 having a proximal end 655 attached to the distal end 640 of theproximal tube 639 and a distal end 653;

d) altering the shape of the middle portion 678 using a mandrel andallowing the middle portion 678 to expand relative to the distal tube676 and proximal tube 674 to form a basket that includes cells 623 and636;

e) quenching the middle portion 678 at room temperature;

f) removing the mandrel from the middle portion 678;

g) mechanically or chemically electropolishing the middle portion 678 toremove oxides (see FIG. 45C);

h) inserting a pull wire 643 through said proximal tube interior 641 sothat said proximal tube 639 is slideable along at least a portion ofsaid pull wire 643, said pull wire 643 having a proximal end 645 and adistal end 644; and

i) attaching said pull wire 643 to said distal tube 625 so that thedistal tube 625 is not slideable along the pull wire 643 but instead thedistal tube 625 moves with the pull wire 643 (see FIG. 45D).

In other embodiments, steps h) and i) above replaced with the steps ofinserting a pull wire comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a stoplocated adjacent to said distal end, through said proximal tubeinterior, said stop having a width and/or height that is greater thansaid proximal tube interior, said stop located distal relative to saidproximal tube interior, so that said proximal tube is slideable distallyuntil the proximal hub/junction reaches said stop, said pull wire notcontacting said distal tube; and attaching a leader wire to said distaltube.

In some embodiments, the middle portion 678 is expanded by heating themandrel and the middle portion 678 by, for example, placing the mandreland the middle portion 678 in a fluidized sand bath at about 500° C. forabout 3 to about 7 minutes. As the middle portion 678 is heated, theheating causes the crystalline structure of the memory metal tube 668 torealign. Preferably, the mandrel is tapered (e.g., substantially conicalor bullet in shape) so that the portion of the distal basket 611 formedfrom the middle portion 678 tapers from the proximal-most crown 638 tothe distal end 666. Preferably, the proximal and distal ends of the tube674 and 676 are not shape set by the mandrel and are not cut by thelaser 680 so that the proximal and distal ends 674 and 676 do not changein shape and only slightly expand in size under heating and return tothe size of the native tube 668 after the heat is removed. Preferably,the laser cuts are programmed via a computer. To ensure that the lasercuts only one surface of the tube wall at the time (and not the surfacedirectly opposite the desired cutting surface), the laser 680 ispreferably focused between the inner and outer diameter of the desiredcutting surface and a coolant is passed through the memory metal tube668 so that the laser 680 cools before reaching the surface directlyopposite the desired cutting surface.

The portions of the wall not cut by the laser 680 create the proximaland distal tubes 674 and 676 as well as the other components of thedistal basket 611, and memory metal strips 657 and 666, as described.

Preferably, the memory metal selected for the native tube 668 has a heatof transformation below average human body temperature (37° C.) so thatthe distal basket 611 has sufficient spring and flexibility afterdeployment from the catheter 632 in the human blood vessel 688.

In some embodiments, the native tube 668 (and hence the distal andproximal tubes 674 and 676) have an outer diameter of less than about 4French, e.g., a diameter of about 1 to about 4 French. In someembodiments, the diameter of the pull wire 643 is between about 0.008inches and about 0.051, as noted above, and in such embodiments, thediameter of the pull wire 43 may be approximately equal to the innerdiameter 672 of the native nitinol tube 668.

Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed thatmanufacturing the distal basket 611 from a single memory metal tube 668provides ease of manufacturing and safety from mechanical failure andprovides tensile strength necessary for the system 610 to remove hardthrombus 617 and other obstructions.

In some embodiments, the method further includes providing a coaxialtube 618, said coaxial tube 618 comprising a hollow interior 620receiving said pull wire 643, a proximal end 621, and a distal end 619,and attaching said distal end 619 of said coaxial tube 643 to saidproximal tube 625. In some embodiments, the method of attaching saiddistal end 619 of said coaxial tube 618 to said proximal tube 625comprises welding or soldering said distal end 619 of said coaxial tube618 to said proximal tube 625. In other embodiments, the method ofattaching said distal end 619 of said coaxial tube 618 to said proximaltube 625 comprises shrink wrapping said distal end 619 of said coaxialtube 618 to said proximal tube 625. In other embodiments, the method ofattaching said distal end 619 of said coaxial tube 618 to said proximaltube 625 comprises gluing said distal end 619 of said coaxial tube 618to said proximal tube 625.

Optionally, after step e, the basket 611 further comprises a row 648 ofproximal cells 636, each proximal cell 636 defined by a plurality ofmemory metal strips 666 and comprising a proximal crown 638 located at aproximal end of the cell 636 and pointing in the proximal direction anda distal crown 624 located at a distal end of the cell and pointing inthe distal direction and further wherein each of said proximal crowns638 of said proximal cells 636 is attached to a distal end 653 of aproximal tether memory metal strip 657. Optionally, after step e, thebasket 610 further comprises a row 647 of distal cells 622 locateddistal to said proximal cells 636 and connected to said distal crowns624 of said proximal cells 636, each distal cell 622 defined by aplurality of memory metal strips 666 and comprising a proximal crown 637located at a proximal end of the cell 622 and pointing in the proximaldirection and a distal crown 623 located at a distal end of the cell 622and pointing in the distal direction, and further wherein the number ofdistal cells 622 is twice the number of proximal cells 636. Optionally,after step e, the basket system 610 further comprises a row 649 of strutmemory metal strips 652, each strut memory metal strip 652 having aproximal end 651 attached to a distal crown 624 of a proximal cell 636and a distal end 650 attached to a proximal crown 637 of a distal cell622. Optionally, the basket 611 comprises no welded or solderedcomponents and said proximal tether memory metal strips 657 are integralwith said proximal cell crowns 638.

Optionally, after step e, the basket system 611 comprises between twoand four proximal tether memory metal strips 657. Optionally, prior tocutting the memory metal tube 668, the memory metal tub 668 has an outerdiameter 686 that is from about 0.011 inches to about 0.054 inches andan inner diameter 684 that is from about 0.008 inches to about 0.051inches. Optionally, after step e), the proximal tube 639 and distal tube625 have an outer diameter that is from about 0.02 inches to about 0.03inches and an inner diameter that is from about 0.01 inches to about0.02 inches. Optionally, the method further includes placing said basket611 inside a catheter 632 comprised of a biocompatible material.Optionally, the method further includes the steps of placing the basket611 inside a lumen 688 of an animal and using the basket to retrieve anobject 617 located inside said lumen 688.

In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 58-60, the basket system 610does not include a proximal hub/junction 639 and the system 610 includesa plurality of cords 703 (e.g., 2-4 cords 703) instead of or in additionto said proximal tether memory metal strips 657. For example, FIG. 15-17shows a first set of embodiments, where soft cords made of rubber,nylon, suture material, braided catheter material, platinum coils, andultrathin nitinol for example, are used. The cords 703 have a proximalend 704 attached to the distal end 619 of the coaxial tube 618 and adistal end 705 attached to a proximal crown 638 of a proximal cell 636.FIG. 58 illustrates one embodiment in which the cords 703 are relativelylong. FIG. 59 illustrates another embodiment in which the cords 703 arerelatively short.

In some embodiments, the system 610 is used in a method that includes

-   a) providing the system 610;-   b) positioning the system 610 in said lumen 688, said basket 611    located in said catheter 632 in a collapsed state (see FIG. 60A);-   c) deploying said distal basket 611 from said distal end 614 of said    catheter 632 so that said proximal crowns 638 of said proximal cells    636 are distal to said obstruction 617;-   d) allowing said distal basket 611 to move to said relaxed state    (see FIG. 60B);-   e) moving said coaxial tube 618 distally relative to said distal    hub/junction 625 so that said coaxial tube 618 moves distally to the    proximal-most crown 638 (see FIG. 60C);-   f) moving said distal basket 611, said pull wire 643 and said    coaxial tube 618 proximally simultaneously so that said distal    basket 611 moves over said obstruction 617 (see FIG. 60D);-   g) moving said coaxial sheath 618 distally relative to said distal    hub/junction 625 so that said distal basket height 661, as measured    at the proximal-most crown 638, decreases and said coaxial tube 618    is closer to said distal hub/junction 625 as compared to the    proximal-most crown 638 (see FIG. 60E); and-   h) removing said distal basket 611 and said obstruction 617 from    said lumen 688 (see FIG. 60F).

In other embodiments, steps g-h above are replaced with the steps below:

-   g) moving said coaxial sheath 618 proximally relative to said distal    hub/junction 625 so that said distal basket height 661, as measured    at the proximal-most crown 661, decreases;-   h) moving said catheter 632 distally relative to said distal    hub/junction 625 so that said catheter 632 re-sheaths said coaxial    sheath 618 and partially re-sheaths said cords, thereby decreasing    said distal basket height 661, as measured at the proximal-most    crown 638;-   i) removing said distal basket 611 and said obstruction 617 from    said lumen 688.

As shown, an advantage of this embodiment is that the cords 703 movedistally to the proximal-most crowns 638 so they do not obstruct entryway of the clot 617 into the distal basket 611.

In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 61 and 62, the system 610includes cords 703 and proximal tether memory metal strips 657. In suchembodiments, the proximal tether memory metal strips 657 have a proximalend 655 attached to the distal end 619 of the coaxial tube 618. Thecords have a proximal end attached to the distal end 653 of the proximalmemory metal strips 657 and a distal end attached to a proximal crown638 of a proximal cell 636.

In some embodiments, the system 610 is used in a method of removing anobject from an interior lumen 688 of an animal, said lumen 688 having aninterior wall forming said lumen 688 that includes:

a) providing the system 610;

b) positioning the system 610 in said lumen 688, said basket 611 locatedin said catheter 632 in a collapsed state;

c) deploying said distal basket 611 from said distal end 614 of saidcatheter 632 so that said proximal crowns 638 of said proximal cells 636are distal to said obstruction 617, said coaxial sheath 618 is proximalto said obstruction 617, said proximal tether memory metal strips 657are proximal to said obstruction 617, and said cords are adjacent tosaid obstruction 617;

d) allowing said distal basket 611 to move to said relaxed state (seeFIG. 62A);

e) moving said coaxial tube 618 distally relative to said distalhub/junction 625 and moving said basket 611 proximally so that saidproximal tether memory metal strips 657 move distally relative to theproximal-most crown 638 and said obstruction 617 is sandwiched betweensaid proximal tether memory metal strips 657 and said proximal crowns638 of said proximal cells 636 (see FIG. 62B); and

f) removing said distal basket 611 and said obstruction 617 from saidlumen 688.

The Embodiments of FIGS. 66A-82

During the development of the medical devices shown in FIGS. 11-20, itbecame apparent that it would be desirable to make devices from a singletube of memory metal (e.g., nitinol) that had a larger outer diameterthan the inner diameter of the catheter. More particularly, it wasdesirable to create the baskets from a single tube having an outerdiameter of 0.025 inches but deploy the baskets from a catheter havingan inner diameter of 0.021 inches. This was not possible if the uncutproximal and distal ends of the tube were left intact in the device (asshown in FIG. 2 for example). Thus, a new method was developed to attainthis objective, as shown in FIGS. 66-82. One method to achieve this wasto create scoring lines (referred to below as perforations 814, 816, 835and 838) so that uncut excess material of first tube wall 803 would tendto tear cleanly and consistently along the scoring lines 814, 816, 835and 838, as described below.

More particularly, as shown in FIGS. 66-82, the present disclosureprovides: a method of manufacturing a medical device 827 comprising:

-   a) providing a first tube 800 comprised of a memory metal, the first    tube 800 having a first tube exterior 801, a first tube hollow    interior 802, a first tube wall 803 separating the first tube    exterior 801 from the first tube hollow interior 802, a first tube    proximal end 804 comprising a first tube proximal aperture 805    leading to the first tube hollow interior 802, a first tube distal    end 806 comprising a first tube distal aperture 807 leading to the    first tube hollow interior 802, a first tube length 808 extending    from the first tube proximal end 804 to the first tube distal end    806, a first tube perimeter 809 (more particularly a circumference    if first tube 800 is generally cylindrical) generally perpendicular    to the first tube length 808, a first tube width 810 (more    particularly an outer diameter if first tube 800 is generally    cylindrical) generally perpendicular to the first tube length 808,    and a middle portion 811 between the first tube proximal end 804 and    the first tube distal end 806, the middle portion 811 having a    middle portion width 812 (more particularly an outer diameter if    first tube 800 is generally cylindrical) generally parallel to the    first tube width/diameter 810 (see FIG. 66A) (preferably the first    tube width 810 is uniform along the first tube length 808 in step a)    as shown in FIG. 66A);-   b) using a cutting instrument 813 (e.g. a laser) to cut portions of    the wall 803 of the first tube 800 (see FIG. 66B) and form i) a    plurality of non-contiguous proximal perimeter perforations 814    located adjacent to the first tube proximal end 804 and spaced about    the perimeter/circumference 809 of the first tube 800 and each    proximal perimeter perforation 814 is separated by a proximal    perimeter gap 870 (representing uncut portions of the wall 803), the    plurality of non-contiguous proximal perimeter perforations 814 and    proximal perimeter gap 870 define a proximal end tab 815 located at    the proximal end 804 of the first tube 800 (see FIGS. 67, 69, 70 and    73); ii) a plurality of non-contiguous distal perimeter perforations    816 located adjacent to the first tube distal end 806 and spaced    about the perimeter/circumference 809 of the first tube 800 and each    distal perimeter perforation 816 is separated by a distal perimeter    gap 871 (representing uncut portions of the wall 803), the plurality    of non-contiguous distal perimeter perforations 816 and the distal    perimeter gaps 871 defining a distal end tab 817 located at the    distal end 806 of the first tube 800 (see FIGS. 67 and 68); iii) a    matrix 818 in the middle portion 811 comprising a plurality of    middle portion memory metal strips 820 forming a plurality of cells    819 (see FIG. 67); iv) a plurality of proximal memory metal strips    821 connecting the middle portion 811 to the proximal end tab 815,    each proximal memory metal strip 821 having a proximal memory metal    strip proximal end 822 connected to the proximal end tab 815, a    proximal memory metal strip distal end 823 connected to a cell 819    of the middle portion 811 and a proximal memory metal strip length    859 extending from the proximal memory metal strip proximal end 822    to the proximal memory metal strip distal end 823 (see FIGS. 67, 69,    70 and 73); and v) a plurality of distal memory metal strips 824    connecting the middle portion 811 to the distal end tab 817, each    distal memory metal strip 824 having a distal memory metal strip    distal end 826 connected to the distal end tab 817, a distal memory    metal strip proximal end 825 connected to a cell 819 of the middle    portion 811, and a distal memory metal strip length 858 extending    from the distal memory metal strip proximal end 825 to the distal    memory metal strip distal end 826, wherein the proximal end tab 815    connects the proximal ends 822 of the proximal memory metal strips    821 and the distal end tab 817 connects the distal ends 826 of the    distal memory metal strips 824 (see FIGS. 67 and 68);-   c) shape setting at least the middle portion 811 (e.g., the middle    portion 811 and at least a portion of the proximal memory metal    strips 821 and distal memory metal strips 824) to expand the    width/diameter 812 of the middle portion 811 (preferably by    expanding the middle portion 811 using a mandrel such as that shown    in FIGS. 63 and 64 to form a basket 851);-   d) after step c), polishing (e.g. electropolishing) the first tube    800, wherein said polishing expands the plurality of proximal    perimeter perforations 814 about the first tube    perimeter/circumference 809 and expands the plurality of the distal    perimeter perforations 816 about the first tube    perimeter/circumference 809 (see FIG. 71, which shows expanding the    proximal perimeter perforations 814 so that adjacent proximal    perimeter perforations 814 approach each other and the proximal    perimeter gaps 870 becoming smaller; the distal perimeter    perforations 816 expand in a similar manner);-   e) tearing along the plurality of proximal perimeter perforations    814 to free the proximal ends 822 of the proximal memory metal    strips 821 from the proximal end tab 815 and each other and tearing    along the plurality of distal perimeter perforations 816 to free the    distal ends 826 of the distal memory metal strips 824 from the    distal end tab 817 and each other (see FIGS. 72 and 74, which shows    removing of the proximal end tab 815; the distal end tab is 817    removed in a similar manner);-   f) joining the free distal ends 826 of the distal memory metal    strips 824 (see FIG. 78) and joining the free proximal ends 822 of    the proximal memory metal strips 821 (see FIGS. 75, 76E-76G and 77)    to form a medical device 827 comprised of the joined distal ends 826    of the distal memory metal strips 824, the joined proximal ends 822    of the proximal memory metal strips 821, and the shape set middle    portion 811, the medical device 827 having a medical device length    828 extending at least from the joined distal ends 826 of the distal    memory metal strips 824 to at least the joined proximal ends 822 of    the proximal memory metal strips 821 and a medical device width 829    generally perpendicular to the medical device length 828 (the term    “at least” refers to the fact that the medical device 827 may    include a lead wire at the distal end as described previously);    and g) inserting the medical device 827 into a catheter 830    comprising a catheter interior 831 having an interior width 832    (more particularly an inner diameter if the catheter 830 is    generally cylindrical), an open catheter proximal end (not shown in    FIGS. 66-82 but shown as 212 in FIG. 21) leading to the catheter    interior 831, an open catheter distal end 833 leading to the    catheter interior 831, the catheter 830 comprised of a biocompatible    material, wherein the catheter interior width 832 (more particularly    inner diameter if the catheter 830 is generally cylindrical) is less    than the first tube width/outer diameter 810, wherein the medical    device 827 comprises a collapsed state wherein the medical device    width 829 is less than the catheter interior width/diameter 832 and    an expanded state wherein the medical device width 829 is greater    than the catheter interior width/diameter 832, and further wherein    the catheter 830 is configured to envelope the medical device 827    when the medical device 827 is in the collapsed state (see FIG. 81).

Optionally, the first tube 800 is generally cylindrical in shape andcomprises a first tube diameter 810 and a first tube circumference 809and the proximal perimeter perforations 816 are arranged in a generallystraight line about the circumference 809 of the first tube 800 (seeFIGS. 67, 69, 70, 73 and 79) and the distal perimeter perforations 816are arranged in a generally straight line about the circumference 809 ofthe first tube 800 (see FIGS. 67-68).

Optionally step b) further comprises using the cutting instrument 813 tocut additional portions of the wall 803 of the first tube 800 and form aplurality of non-contiguous proximal longitudinal perforations 835located in a proximal segment 836 of each proximal memory metal strip821 adjacent to the proximal end 822 of the respective proximal memorymetal strip 821 and extending generally along the first tube length 808(see FIGS. 67, 69, 70, 79 and 82). Each adjacent non-contiguous proximallongitudinal perforation 835 is separated by a proximal longitudinal gap876 (representing uncut portions of the wall 803). The proximallongitudinal perforations 835 and the proximal longitudinal gaps 876form a first longitudinal side 872 and a second longitudinal side 873 ofeach proximal segment 836. It will be understood that the non-contiguousproximal longitudinal perforations 835 extend generally along the firsttube length 808 but are not necessarily parallel to the first tubelength 808 as shown in FIGS. 79 and 82 as indicated by reference line878; the reference line 878 is not a component of the system but ismerely drawn in the illustration to show the angle. A proximallongitudinal tab 837 is located between and connects adjacent proximalsegments 836 of proximal memory metal strips 821 and is formed of uncutportions of the wall 803.

Optionally step b) further comprises using the cutting instrument 813 tocut additional portions of the wall 803 of the first tube 800 and form aplurality of non-contiguous distal longitudinal perforations 838 locatedin a distal segment 839 of each distal memory metal strip 824 adjacentto the distal end 826 of the respective distal memory metal strip 824and extending generally along the first tube length 808 (see FIGS. 67and 68). Each adjacent non-contiguous distal longitudinal perforation838 is separated by a distal longitudinal gap 877 (representing uncutportions of the wall 803). The distal longitudinal perforations 838 andthe distal longitudinal gaps 877 form a first longitudinal side 874 anda second longitudinal side 875 of each distal segment 839. It will beunderstood that the non-contiguous distal longitudinal perforations 838extend generally along the first tube length 808 but are not necessarilyparallel to the first tube length 808 as best seen in FIG. 68. A distallongitudinal tab 840 is located between and connects adjacent distalsegments 839 of distal memory metal strips 824 and is formed of uncutportions of the wall 803.

Preferably, the polishing expands the plurality of proximal longitudinalperforations 835 about the first tube length 808 (see FIG. 71) andexpands the plurality of the distal longitudinal perforations 838 aboutthe first tube length 808 (so that adjacent proximal longitudinalperforations 835 on the first longitudinal side 872 of the proximalsegment 836 approach each other, so that adjacent proximal longitudinalperforations 835 on the second longitudinal side 873 of the proximalsegment 836 approach each other, so that adjacent distal longitudinalperforations 838 on the first longitudinal side 874 of the distalsegment 839 approach each other, and so that adjacent distallongitudinal perforations 838 on the second longitudinal side 875 of thedistal segment 839 approach each other), and step e) further comprisestearing along the plurality of proximal longitudinal perforations 835 toremove the proximal longitudinal tabs 837 (see FIGS. 72 and 74) anddisconnect the proximal segments 836 from each other and tearing alongthe plurality of distal longitudinal perforations 838 to remove thedistal longitudinal tabs 840 and disconnect the distal segments 839 fromeach other.

Optionally, after step d), the plurality of proximal longitudinalperforations 835 become nearly continuous (see FIGS. 72 and 74), theplurality of distal longitudinal perforations 838 become nearlycontinuous, the plurality of proximal perimeter perforations 814 becomenearly continuous (see FIGS. 72 and 74) and the plurality of distalperimeter perforations 816 become nearly continuous.

Optionally, the first tube 800 is generally cylindrical in shape andcomprises a first tube outer diameter 810, wherein said catheter 830 isgenerally cylindrical in shape and comprises a catheter inner diameter832 (interior diameter), wherein said step of joining the free proximalends 822 of the proximal memory metal strips 821 comprises attaching thefree proximal ends 822 of the proximal memory metal strips 821 to asecond tube 841, the second tube 841 generally cylindrical in shape andcomprising a second tube outer diameter 842, wherein said step ofjoining the free distal ends 826 of the distal memory metal strips 824comprises attaching the free distal ends 826 of the distal memory metalstrips 824 to a third tube 843, the third tube 843 generally cylindricalin shape and comprising a third tube outer diameter 844, and furtherwherein said second tube outer diameter 842 and said third tube outerdiameter 844 are less than said first tube outer diameter 810 and lessthan said catheter inner diameter 832 (see FIGS. 77 and 78).

FIGS. 76A-76G illustrate an embodiment where the second tube 841 is acoil system 845. For example, the method may include providing a pullwire 850. (See FIG. 76A). The next step may be providing a coil system845 that includes a proximal coil 847A and a distal coil 847B separatedby a longitudinal space 848 between the proximal end 866 of the distalcoil 847B and the distal end 867 of the proximal coil 847A. (See FIG.76B). The next step may involve soldering the pull wire 850 to theproximal coil 847A so that the pull wire 850 is surrounded by theproximal coil 847A. (See FIGS. 76C and 76D; soldering denoted by thenumeral 865A). The next step may involve joining the proximal ends 822of the proximal memory metal strips 821 by soldering the proximal ends822 of the proximal memory metal strips 821 at the longitudinal space848 between the coils 847A and 847B. (See FIGS. 76E-76G; soldering isdenoted by the numeral 865B). As shown in FIG. 76F, the proximal memorymetal strips 821 are located between the pull wire 850 (which forms acore of the coil system 845) and the proximal coil 847A. Optionally, thepull wire 850 comprises a pull wire proximal end 860, a pull wire distalend 861, a pull wire length 862 extending from the pull wire proximalend 860 to the pull wire distal end 861 and a pull wire width 863generally perpendicular to the pull wire length 862 and further whereinsaid pull wire width 863 comprises a segment 864 in which the pull wirewidth 863 tapers proximally along the pull wire length 862. (See FIG.76A).

Optionally, the proximal memory metal strips 821 comprise a width 849generally perpendicular to the first tube length 808 and further whereinsaid widths 849 of said proximal memory metal strips 821 taper as theproximal memory metal strips 821 approach the proximal end tab 815 (seeFIG. 79 and FIG. 82).

The middle portion 811 may be shape-set in any form. Preferably, themiddle portion 811 is shape set in the form of a basket 851, asdescribed above, that is configured to capture a foreign object in alumen of an animal such as an intracranial thrombus. For example,optionally the middle portion memory metal strips 820 of said shape setmiddle portion 811 form a basket 851 comprising a basket interior 852and a basket length 853 generally parallel to the medical device length828. Optionally, in the expanded state, the basket 851 comprises a firstpair of distal crowns 854 not attached to another cell 819 of the basket851 and pointing generally in the distal direction, the distal crowns854 in the first pair of distal crowns 854 located approximately thesame distance along the basket length 853 and between 150 degrees and180 degrees relative to each other, and further wherein the basket 851further comprises a second pair of distal crowns 855 not attached toanother cell 819 of the basket 851 and pointing generally in the distaldirection, the second pair of distal crowns 855 located distallyrelative to the first pair of distal crowns 854, each of the distalcrowns in the second pair of distal crowns 855 located between 60degrees and 90 degrees relative to a distal crown in the first pair ofdistal crowns 854, the distal crowns in the second pair of distal crowns855 located approximately the same distance along the basket length 853and further wherein each of the distal crowns in the first and secondpair of distal crowns 854 and 855 comprises an x-ray marker 856, thex-ray maker 856 more visible under x-ray as compared to the middleportion strips 820 when the basket 851 is located in a cranial bloodvessel inside the body of a human and the x-ray is taken from outsidethe human's body and further wherein each distal crown in the first andsecond pair of distal crowns 854 and 855 forms part of a cell 819.Optionally, each distal crown in the first and second pair of distalcrowns 854 and 855 forms part of an enlarged cell 857 and furtherwherein the surface area of the enlarged cells 857 in the relaxed stateis greater than the surface area of the other cells 819 of the basket811 and further wherein the enlarged cells 857 are configured to allow athrombus to pass therethrough and into the basket interior 852, andfurther wherein the basket 811 comprises a non-uniform outward radialforce along the basket length 853 due to the offset enlarged cells 857.(See FIG. 80). Optionally, in step b), each distal end 823 of eachproximal memory metal strip 821 is connected to a proximal crown 869 ofa proximal cell 819B of the middle portion 811, said proximal crown 869of said proximal cell 819B located at the proximal end of the basket 811and pointing generally in the proximal direction, and each proximal end825 of each distal memory metal strip 824 is connected to a distal crown868 of a distal cell 819A, each distal crown 868 pointing generally inthe distal direction and located at the distal end of the basket 811(see FIGS. 67 and 80). In other words, in the preferred embodiment themiddle portion 811 preferably forms a basket 851 as described with thebasket embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-20. However, other basket designsare also possible. Preferably, in the medical device 827, the middleportion width/diameter 812 in the expanded state tapers as the proximalmemory metal strips 821 approach the second tube 841 and as the distalmemory metal strips 824 approach the third tube 843. (See FIG. 81).(Preferably, the proximal memory metal strips 821 twist as shown inFIGS. 73-75, 77 and 80-81 and as described above with respect to FIGS.11 and 20 for example—i.e., each distal end 823 of the respectiveproximal memory metal strip 821 is 180 degrees offset from the proximalend 822 of the same respective proximal memory metal strip 821).

Optionally, in the expanded state, the medical device width 829 is lessthan the medical device length 828. Optionally, said catheter innerdiameter 832 is at least about 0.001 inches (e.g, between 0.001 and0.015 inches, preferably between 0.003 and 0.015 inches) less than saidfirst tube outer diameter 810. The medical device 827 may furtherinclude a lead wire at the distal end as described previously.

After step e), the proximal end tab 815, the distal end tab 817, theproximal longitudinal tabs 837 and the distal longitudinal tabs 840 arediscarded.

Optionally, after step e), the proximal memory metal strips 821 comprisea smooth periphery and the distal memory metal strips 824 comprise asmooth periphery. In other words, preferably, the proximal end tabs 815tear cleanly along the proximal perimeter perforations 814, the distalend tabs 817 tear cleanly along the distal perimeter perforations 816,the proximal longitudinal tabs 837 tear cleanly along the proximallongitudinal perforations 835 and the distal longitudinal tabs 840 tearcleanly along the distal longitudinal perforations 838.

The steps of the method described above with reference to FIGS. 66-82may be performed simultaneously or in any suitable order. In addition,one or more of the steps, such as step d) may be omitted. Further, stepc) (expanding the middle portion 811) may be performed using methods nowknown or hitherto developed. Moreover, the first tube 800 may onlyinclude proximal perimeter perforations 814, proximal longitudinalperforations 835, distal perimeter perforations 816 and/or distallongitudinal perforations 838. In other words, the first tube 800 may becut to include only perimeter perforations 814 and/or 816 or onlylongitudinal perforations 835 and/or 838 as shown in FIG. 82 which onlyincludes proximal longitudinal perforations 835 that extend to theproximal end 804 of the first tube 800). Preferably, the first tube 800is cut to include at least proximal longitudinal perforations 835 anddistal longitudinal perforations 838.

Having now described the invention in accordance with the requirementsof the patent statutes, those skilled in the art will understand how tomake changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments to meettheir specific requirements or conditions. Changes and modifications maybe made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, asdefined and limited solely by the following claims. In particular,although the system has been exemplified for use in retrieving bloodclots, the system may be used to retrieve other objects from animallumens. In addition, the steps of any method described herein may beperformed in any suitable order and steps may be performedsimultaneously if needed.

Terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” asused herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified termsuch that the end result is not significantly changed. For example,these terms can be construed as including a deviation of at least ±5% ofthe modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of theword it modifies.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system for removing objects from aninterior lumen of an animal, the system comprising: a pull wire having aproximal end and a distal end; distal body attached to the pull wire,the distal body comprising an interior, a proximal end, a distal end, adistal body length extending from the proximal end to the distal end, aproximal junction forming the proximal end of the distal body, aplurality of proximal strips, a basket comprised of a plurality of cellsformed by a plurality of basket strips, and a distal junction comprisinga proximal end, the proximal end of the distal junction forming a distalend of the basket, the basket comprising a basket interior, eachproximal strip having a distal end attached to a cell and a proximalend, the proximal ends of the proximal strips converging at the proximaljunction, the distal body having a relaxed state wherein the distal bodyhas a first height and a first width, and a collapsed state wherein thedistal body has a second height and a second width, the second heightless than the first height, the second width less than the first width;and a catheter having an interior, a proximal end leading to theinterior and a distal end leading to the interior, the cathetercomprised of a biocompatible material and configured to envelope thedistal body when the distal body is in the collapsed state, wherein, inthe relaxed state, the basket comprises a first pair of distal crownsnot attached to another cell of the basket and pointing generally in thedistal direction, the distal crowns in the first pair of distal crownslocated approximately the same distance from the proximal junction andbetween 150 degrees and 180 degrees relative to each other, and furtherwherein the basket further comprises a second pair of distal crowns notattached to another cell of the basket and pointing generally in thedistal direction, the second pair of distal crowns located distallyrelative to the first pair of distal crowns, each of the distal crownsin the second pair of distal crowns located between 60 degrees and 90degrees relative to a distal crown in the first pair of distal crowns,the distal crowns in the second pair of distal crowns locatedapproximately the same distance from the proximal junction, wherein eachdistal crown in the first and second pair of distal crowns forms part ofa different enlarged cell, each enlarged cell having a center, whereinthe centers of the enlarged cells of the first pair of distal crowns areapproximately 180 degrees relative to each other and approximately 90degrees relative to the centers of the enlarged cells of the second pairof distal crowns, wherein the surface area of the enlarged cells in therelaxed state is greater than the surface area of the other cells of thebasket, wherein the enlarged cells are configured to allow a thrombus topass there rough and into the basket interior, wherein at least some ofthe basket strips are located at the distal end of the basket, whereineach of the basket strips located at the distal end of the basket have adistal end, wherein each of the distal ends of the basket strips locatedat the distal end of the basket converge at the distal junction andfurther wherein the distal body, in the relaxed state, comprises atapered region in which the distal body height and width decrease as thebasket strips located at the distal end of the basket approach thedistal junction and further wherein, in the relaxed state, the basketinterior is substantially hollow.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein, inthe relaxed state, the distal body does not have another freedistal-pointing crown that is located approximately the same distancefrom the proximal junction as the first pair of distal crowns and thedistal body does not have another free distal-pointing crown that islocated approximately the same distance from the proximal junction asthe second pair of distal crowns.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein thebasket has a non-uniform outward radial force from the proximal stripsto the basket distal end.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the basketstrips are comprised of a memory metal.
 5. The system of claim 1,wherein each of the distal crowns in the first pair of distal crowns areconfigured to contact each other when an exterior, external compressiveforce is exerted on a distal crown of the first pair of distal crownswhen the distal body is in the relaxed state.
 6. The system of claim 1wherein the proximal junction is located approximately in the center ofthe first height and first width in the relaxed state.
 7. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the proximal end of a first proximal strip is locatedat least about 65 degrees relative to the distal end of the firstproximal strip, wherein the proximal end of a second proximal strip islocated at least about 65 degrees relative to the distal end of thesecond proximal strip, and further wherein the first and second proximalstrips intersect adjacent and distal to the proximal junction.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein each distal crown forms part of a cell thatfurther comprises a proximal crown pointing generally in the proximaldirection and connected to a memory metal strip.
 9. The system of claim1, wherein the proximal junction is in the form of a proximal tube,wherein the basket, the proximal tube and the proximal strips arecomprised of a memory metal, wherein the proximal tube comprises aproximal end and a distal end, and further wherein the proximal stripsare integral with the distal end of the proximal tube.
 10. A method ofremoving a blood clot from a blood vessel of an animal the methodcomprising the steps of: a) providing the system of claim 1; b)positioning the system in the blood vessel; c) deploying the distal bodyfrom the distal end of the catheter; d) allowing the height and width ofthe distal body to increase; e) moving the blood clot into the basketinterior; and f) moving the distal body proximally out of the bloodvessel.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the second pair of distalcrowns are distal to the blood clot when the distal body is deployedfrom the distal end of the catheter.
 12. The method of claim 10 furthercomprising applying contrast dye proximally and distally to the bloodclot.
 13. The method of claim 10 further comprising the steps ofproviding a suction catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, andattaching the distal end of the suction catheter to the blood clot byapplying suction to the suction catheter.
 14. The method of claim 13further comprising aspirating by hand a pre-determined volume of fluidfrom the suction catheter using a syringe and then locking the syringeat the pre-determined volume.
 15. The method of claim 13 furthercomprising the step of delivering the suction catheter adjacent to theblood clot by advancing the suction catheter over the pull wire.
 16. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the distal body further comprises a lead wireextending distally from the distal junction.